Christmas lights switch on
British Featherweight Boxing Champion Darren ‘Dazzo’ Williams will officially switch on Hereford City’s Christmas lights this year.
The Hereford puncher will be joined by festive carol singers in High Town for the event, on Wednesday, November 16, from 6pm.
The lights, funded by Herefordshire Council and Hereford City Council, and erected by Herefordshire Jarvis Services (HJS), run through Widemarsh Street, Broad Street, King Street, High Town and Church Street.
“People will gather in High Town at 6pm before Dazzo officially switches on the lights at 7pm,” said Cllr Brian Wilcox, Cabinet Member (Highways and Transportation).
“The switch on will also mark the beginning of Hereford’s traditional late night shopping, which will be held every Wednesday night in the run up to Christmas when shops will remain open until 9pm.
“Car parks will also be free of charge from 4pm to encourage more visitors,” He added.
“Choirs from St Francis Xavier School, Weobley High School, Cathedral Junior School, Weobley County Primary School and Our Lady’s will sing in High Town throughout late night shopping - adding a real festive touch to Hereford.”
A CD of the songs will be available to buy. All proceeds are in aid of St Michael’s Hospice and the participating schools.
New lights have also been erected in Eign Gate and will add to the attraction of this newly refurbished part of the City.
The public are also invited to the official opening of Eign Gate, to be carried out earlier that day (November 16) at 12.30pm.
Mrs Jeannette Hyde will unveil a ceremonial plaque in honour of her late husband Cllr George Hyde – who was instrumental behind the refurbishment scheme.
Herefordshire Council has spent £650,000 on refurbishing Eign Gate. As part of the project new underground pipework has been inserted, attractive paving and street furniture added and more fitting landscaping work carried out.
