Brixham is gearing up for this year’s Lanterns, Lights and ‘Luminations festive celebrations.
On Saturday (November 23) residents are invited to join in events running through the day and culminating in the Christmas lights switch on and grand firework display.
More than £10,000 has been raised to buy new seasonal lighting for the town by The Lighting Up Brixham initiative’s campaign, which aims to make Brixham a winter destination. It has raised enough money for seven new seasonal lights for the town, including a six-metre high octopus.
One of the new lights was designed by the competition winner Gwen Pritchard-Thomas, aged seven. Her winning design, Decapod Seaweed Monster fish and “Merry Brixmas” has been made into one of this year’s Christmas feature lights. Gwen won a cash prize of £20 plus £80 for the Spark Creative Studio, Brixham. She will be switching on her new lights along with Father Christmas on the night.
Events kick off with a workshop run at the Scala Hall between 10am and 1pm to make lanterns be used in the parade later. From 1pm there will be hot food, street market, gifts, music and entertainment. The two bands playing live will be The Joint Chiefs and Black Friday.
The lantern parade through the town at 5pm will lead up to the official lights switch-on at 6pm.
For anyone who is attending with young children or vulnerable people, organisers are offering a wristband service to help reunite people faster. Wristbands are available now from the town council office or during the event from marshals.
Road closures will be in place for the event including Middle Street from Apters Hill, The Strand, the Quay from Overgang Road and Kings Street.
There may be minor disruption to Bolton Cross at approximately 5.15pm to allow the lantern parade to pass. Fireworks will be launched from the inner Harbour at 6pm for a duration of approximately 15 minutes.