Santa Clause is coming to town

Santa Clause is coming to town!

Father Christmas will pay Ilkley an early visit this year when he comes to switch on the Christmas lights on Saturday November 23 and start the festive countdown.

Preparations for the switch on are in their final stages and once again the town is preparing to welcome residents and visitors to an afternoon of festive entertainment.

The centrepiece of the afternoon will be the switch on of the lights by Father Christmas at 5.00pm. His procession, led by the Town Crier, will assemble in the War Memorial Gardens in readiness for an earlier departure at 4.35 pm prompt. Organiser are reminding children that they would like you to carry battery lanterns this year.

There will be a small Christmas market trading close to the Bandstand, where Bradford Concert Band and Guiseley Brass band will be playing seasonal music. For an early taste of festive fare you can treat yourself to a glass of mulled wine from Betty’s or a Christmas sausage cooked by – who else? – David Lishman our own local award winning butcher.

Nick Hancock, presenter of Stray FM Breakfast Show, will once again act as master of ceremonies for the afternoon. At 3.45pm he will introduce a programme of street entertainment performed by groups from the local community.

Following the switch on there will be a film show for children whilst they wait to visit Santa in his Grotto in Christchurch.

Make a note in your diaries to come along and join in the fun.

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