REDDITCH Town Centre was illuminated for the festive season on Saturday evening as everyone came together for this year’s Christmas lights switch-on.
Market Place had a proper festive feel to it all night, with families wrapped up warm, children excited for the countdown and a really lovely atmosphere running through the whole event.
The evening featured a great opening set from Mitch Loveridge and, from there, the entertainment kept the Christmas spirit going.
Choir by The Big Sing filled Market Place with festive harmonies and the dancers from the Shaun Paul Smith Dance Academy brought brilliant energy to the stage.
Indigo Arts and The Violets continued the entertainment with their lively performance and Top Box followed up with a set full of feelgood songs from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The Palace Theatre Pantomime cast also joined for a fun appearance, before the Taylor Swift Tribute lifted the energy even further heading into the main moment.
Earlier in the afternoon, people had the chance to meet headliner Gareth Gates inside the Kingfisher Centre.
At 5.45pm crowds gathered for the big moment as the lights were switched on by the 2002 Pop Idol runner-up, Father Christmas and the Mayor of Redditch, who led the crowd through the countdown together.
To finish the evening, Gates returned to the stage for his live headline performance.
Redditch BID manager Muj Rahman said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the success of this year’s Redditch Christmas lights switch-on.
“The atmosphere in the town centre was truly electric, and Gareth Gates delivered a fantastic headline act that brought families, visitors and our local business community together.
“The event significantly boosted footfall throughout the town centre, creating a valuable trading opportunity for our local businesses.
“Many retailers and hospitality venues reported a noticeable increase in sales and the event helped highlight the strength, vibrancy and potential of Redditch as a thriving commercial destination.
“A huge thank you to everyone who attended, supported and helped make this event a success.
“Events like these showcase the best of Redditch: community spirit, great entertainment, and a vibrant town centre we can all be proud of.”
