Chippenham Christmas Launch Plans Finalised

Chippenham’s Fairy Tale Christmas events have been finalised, starting on Saturday 28th November when Star Wars actor Warwick Davis and comedian Andy Ford switch on the Christmas lights.

The duo, who are starring in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Bristol Hippodrome, will switch on this year’s festive display from a stage on the town bridge, with festivities starting at 5pm.

The weekend-long extravaganza, organised by Chippenham Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Chippenham Town Council, offers fun for everyone including a land train around the town centre, a Christmas market, and roller rink disco in the Neeld Community & Arts Centre.

A packed programme of family-friendly entertainment will be centred on a stage on the town bridge that will play host to music from local band Reloaded and local choirs, as well as performances from Stagecoach Chippenham & Melksham, and Dance Academy.

Other activities and entertainment taking place around the town centre include; the Showhawk Duo playing live at the Neeld Community & Arts Centre, singing princesses walking around the town centre, a church choir performing outside the Town Hall, a live nativity scene in the Buttercross accompanied by carol singing lead by local churches, a lantern parade with local schools, ‘real’ snow and a telephone hotline to Santa.

There will also be a Santa’s Grotto, brought to you by Emery Gate open on both days.

“We are very excited about our Fairy Tale Christmas,” said Carolyn Brownell, Manager of the Chippenham BID. “We have something for everyone and a strong balance between the modern and traditional. It promises to be a truly magical way to start the festive season in this, the first Christmas for the Chippenham BID. We are sure the weekend will see Chippenham town centre filled with happy families from within the town, as well as visitors from outside. We are delighted so many community groups, schools and businesses have stepped forward to join in creating this weekend of celebration.”

The full programme of events, including times and locations, is available to view at the newly launched Chippenham Connected website at www.Chippenham Connected.com