CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN BEGINS ON SUNDAY

A breathtaking fireworks display will be the culmination of a full day of festive family entertainment for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event in Newark.

The event, organised by Newark Town Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council, will welcome in the spirit of Christmas to Newark Market Place this Sunday, from 11am to 5pm.

The event begins at 11am with the opening of the Newark Christmas Charity and Craft Market. Local community groups and charities will be looking to raise funds from selling their wares, while shoppers can grab a bargain or win a seasonal prize. The event will also feature a selection of fun-fair rides and catering stalls, including roasted chestnuts.

Santa will be waiting in his grotto in the Buttermarket Shopping Centre - provided by Newark Rotary Club. Throughout the day there will be a wide range of entertainment from the stage in the centre of the Market Place, which will also include a BIGTV screen, so that everyone can see the performers.

Events schedule:

11am - Children from Serendipity Day Nursery and their parents singing Christmas songs

11.20am - AJ’s Dance Group perform a number of routines

11.40am - Mick the Sax plays some popular tunes to get everyone in the Christmas mood

Noon - Three local school choirs will perform a range of Christmas carols and songs

12.35pm - Local singer Neil Martin who will perform a selection of Big Band Classics with a touch of Christmas

1pm - The Nottingham Concert Band will perform in the Market Place

1.35pm - Bruce Airhead performs his Christmas show, featuring a very large balloon

2pm- Father Christmas will ride into the Market Place on his sleigh, pulled by two real reindeer, which will remain for children and adults alike to view until 3.45pm

2pm - Lee Jackson, from local Queen tribute band, Mercury, will perform three songs with pupils from the Grove School's show, We Will Rock You, as well as traditional songs with Newark Operatic Society.

2.30pm - Newark Poet in Residence - Tom Warner, will give renditions of some of his poetry about the River Trent during the winter time.

2.45pm - Neil Martin performs more big band Christmas classics

3.10pm - The Carlton Male Voice Choir perform seasonal songs

3.50pm - Bruce Airhead performs again

4.15pm - Solo chorister Will Moon performs White Christmas to a seasonal back-drop

4.20pm- The Market Place will be lit up by the fire and sounds of Mr. Fox for a stunning fire show

5pm - The day’s climax as the Mayor of Newark, Cllr Rita Crowe and the Chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Cllr Bryan Richardson, take to the stage to give their seasonal messages, accompanied by some of the stars from the Palace Theatre Pantomime, Cinderella, and Father Christmas.

5pm -The countdown to the Christmas Lights Switch-On and the Fireworks Display

5.15pm - Annual Christmas Service at Newark Parish Church. Victorian costumed singers, Pie Powder, will sing carols around the Christmas tree in the Market Place, and traditional organ grinder, Patrick Cooke will play seasonal music between entertainments on the stage.

For more information contact Newark Tourist Information Centre on (01636) 655765 or Tanith Batterham at Newark Town Council on (01636) 684824 or watch out for a leaflet to be distributed in the local press.