More entertainment planned for switch-on
BUT THERE WON’T BE A FIREWORK DISPLAY AS GETTING INSURANCE IS PROVING HARD
THERE will be no fireworks set off in Swadlincote during the annual Christmas light switch-on this weekend, it has been revealed.
Due to difficulties with health and safety the district council has decided against the firework display which is always set off from the rooftops of shops in The Delph in the town centre as thousands of people watch on.
Chief executive of South Derbyshire District Council Frank Mcardle confirmed the news saying it was becoming “more and more difficult” for firework firms to get insurance to set off fireworks in town centres.
Instead, the town is holding two weeks’ worth of events and more street entertainment leading up to the switch-on at 5.30pm on Saturday, November 26. There will be entertainment on the day from 4pm to 8pm.
It has also been revealed that local fundraising pals from Miles for Smiles, whose members have walked up and down the UK, raising tens of thousands for charity will be turning on the lights this year.
Mr Mcardle said: “Instead of having fireworks we are going to have four hours of street entertainment, since covid, firework companies have found it difficult to insure these things so close to the town centre. Every year it gets more and more difficult.
“We looked at setting the fireworks off from the ski slope or from a park but you cannot see them from the town centre and we want people in the town centre. In times of austerity the more we can help traders by keeping these things in the town centre [the better].”
It will mark the third year the town has decided not to have fireworks.
The council said it will review whether it will use fireworks next year though.
Mr Mcardle added: “Last year our snowman trail was such a success in the town centre so we are putting on two weeks of entertainment and four hours of entertainment [at the switch-on]. We have competitions, live music, an animatronic polar bear, a fairground and live music.”
Throughout the day on Saturday, from 10am to 8pm there will also be a craft and gift market at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum.
The Dance and Music Centre will have live entertainment in the town. There will be a cake stall, refreshments, gifts and games. There will also be late night shopping with participating shops, as well as mulled wine, free face painting and falling snow.
The Santa Passport Trail has also started in the town centre. Families can hunt to find Santa who might be hiding within local businesses. Children must collect stamps to get a small prize which enables them to enter a big prize draw. The trail map can be collected from and should be returned to, the new visitor information centre, in High Street. Further celebrations are planned for December 3 when Swadlincote will host a Christmas themed Small Business Saturday event with festive street entertainment and characters, live music and lots of free family activities to support shopping local.
Instead of having fireworks we are going to have four hours of street entertainment
Frank Mcardle SDDC