Switching on of lights on Saturday

An exciting line-up of entertainment is planned for the annual switching on of the Christmas lights that line Marsh Street.

On Saturday, 8 December the executive mayor, Alderman Harry Levendal will again have the honour of turning on the lights at the event that will start at 18:30.

Residents are invited to attend an evening of both light and spiritual music and performances at the Harry Giddey Park. Bring along a comfortable chair, something to ward of the evening cold, and a picnic. Directly after the formal opening and welcome at 18:30, C Vibes will perform popular songs until the mayor arrives at 19:00. Thereafter the Curro Private School band will entertain residents with three songs before the Spiritual Dance Group Item.

Mordecai, Gevante October and Jeremy Peterson will lead in the performance by Cornelle Carstens, who will deliver the spoken word. At 19:55 Alan Green is billed for two items before the municipal choir will take to the stage. Also on the programme is a poem reading, a medley of Christmas songs by the Hillcrest Choir and a Christmas Carol singalong before the mayor will officially switch on the lights at 21:00. Always a highlight of the event is the prayer for all of the emergency services in town, which will again be performing indispensable services over the holiday period.

"We invite residents and holiday makers to attend this joyous occasion," municipal spokesperson Colin Puren said.