Are you ready for Swindon’s Christmas light switch-on?

2020 has been a year to remember for mainly all the wrong reasons. And amidst the ongoing mania sweeping the globe as nations race to find a solution to the COVID crisis, it’s easy to forget than Christmas will be here in just under three months.

What may surprise even more however is that this Saturday will see Swindon Town centre transformed into a xmas wonderland once again as the inSwindon Bid team turn on the town’s Christmas lights.

Moving away from the traditional Christmas light switch-on due to COVID precautions, this year will see the town lights switched on virtually, with Swindonians able to watch the free-to-air live stream starting at 6pm on Saturday 3rd October via the InSwindon Facebook page which you can view here.

This year’s light-switch on will also feature an exclusive projection and lighting show to celebrate the Swindon as a community and recognise the outstanding work of our very own Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, emergency services, and key workers that have helped keep the Town going throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The virtual event will be hosted by BBC Radio Wiltshire’s Ben Prater, who will be joined by a fun-loving host from Children’s Entertainers ‘Totally Crazy’ to bring the usual fun of the Christmas light event into your home.

Along with the countdown to the lights being turned on, viewers will be treated to an array of fantastic entertainment with Swindon Dance group ‘Just for Boys’, Phoebe Maddison who appeared on ITV’s The Voice Kids, and singer Jenny Bracey all performing on the live streamed event.

Speaking about the event, actin inSwindon BID manager Anita Bellinger said:

“There really is something for everyone and we hope the community will tune in safely with family and friends and enjoy the show, as well as supporting the acts and groups that have come together as part of the event. We still have a few more surprises to reveal, so stay tuned.”

The big switch-on moment will take place with a group of local NHS Heroes, nominated by The Great Western Hospital’s NHS Trust , pressing the button to turn on the town centre lights.

To find out more about Swindon’s big light switch-on click here.