It’s virtually Christmas!
Newbury’s spectacular festive launch goes digital to beat Covid restrictions
NEWBURY’S Christmas lights switch-on went virtual for the first time on Friday, with people tuning in for a festive livestream.
2020’s big switch-on, organised by Newbury BID (Business Improvement District), kicked off at 6.45pm via Facebook and YouTube.
While decorations – including the traditional Christmas tree – were put up across town, local people were encouraged to avoid gathering, by viewing the lights being turned on live, with footage broadcast directly from Market Place.
The stream also featured prerecorded speeches, songs and entertainment.
An introduction was given by Newbury BID chief executive Melissa Hughes.
She said: “This year has been such a challenging one for so many members of our community and the last thing we wanted was to appear as though we were cancelling Christmas in the town centre.
“Covid can’t beat our Christmas spirit and we’ve adapted to make the special switch-on moment safe using digital platforms.
“We’re really disappointed we can’t bring you Newbury’s usual Christmas extravaganza this year,
but we wanted to share with you that special moment when Christmas comes to Newbury.
“We’re aware some people might not be ready for Christmas to start in November, and the beauty of a virtual event is that people can watch the special switch-on moment at a time to suit them.
“If they’d prefer to get into the Christmas spirit on December 1 – or even on Christmas Eve – the event video will be available online for them to enjoy.
“Personally, I’ll be watching the countdown and switch-on moment every day between now and Christmas Day – it is such a special moment.
“We hope residents will enjoy visiting the town centre over the coming weeks in the knowledge that Christmas will be ready and waiting for them.”
VoxFresh, Heart of Choir, Jollypop Entertainment and Silver Swans were among the local performers contributing to for the stream, which culminated with a traditional Christmas statement from Newbury mayor Elizabeth O’Keeffe.
Referring to the hardship experienced 2020, the mayor expressed hope for the New Year, saying that pandemic conditions had brought out a sense of community spirit in many quarters.
She said: “I’m delighted you’re able to join us today for our annual Christmas light switch-on.
“Usually the Market Place and the streets of Newbury would be filled with festive joy and excitement at this time.
“Instead, we must embrace the wonders of technology and share this switch-on moment together virtually.
“Christmas time of giving.
“This year has been challenging for so many within our community, and it has been heart-warming to witness the willingness of people to give and to support others.
“There has been so much love and kindness shared, and I know this will be extended over the Christmas season and beyond.
“A new year brings hope and a chance for new beginnings.
“My hope for 2021 is that we can come together as a community again to enjoy all that is on offer here in our beautiful market town.”
Housebound residents were filmed counting down for the big reveal, with light displays illuminated across town.
The switch-on attracted around 1,000 viewers tuning into watch the stream at any one time.
The video has subsequently had more than 15,000 hits on Facebook.
The franchisee of McDonald’s in Northbrook Street, Ross Drake, praised the BID for its work in making the switch-on happen.
He said: “The event seemed to have delivered excellent engagement with the people in Newbury.”
A Greenham resident told the BID: “It felt really special and so lovely to see the lights turn-on with everyone else online.
“Thank you so much, and I’m excited to see the lights in real life.”
is traditionally a
Two views of the Parkway display
Ref: 48-0820O and below 48-0820AD
A different take on the lights
Ref: 48-0820K
Time for a festive celebration
Ref: 48-0820L
Christmas comes to Market Place