_{Prudhoe's Christmas Lights}

_{Switch-On 2015}

Mr Disco, John Robson started the festivities and got everyone into the Christmas spirit, despite the rain on Friday 27th December.  Front Street was crowded thanks to the road closure (new in 2015) and the stage provided a great set-up for all to see what was to come...

THE MINIONS danced through the crowds to paparazzi style flash photography, and continued dancing to Mr Disco's tunes when they arrived.

The One-Stop Shop provided ‘The Movie’ DVD and sweets to be given as prizes and the children watching thoroughly enjoyed joining in.

Kian Musgrove was invited onto the stage (Kian was accompanied by his Mum Katherine and sister Katie).  Kian is a very poorly little boy who requires treatment only available in the United States, for more information see #caringforkian.

Mickley First School were the first choir to sing and they delighted the crowds with Starry Night, The Snowman Song, and Calypso Carol.  Adderlane First School Choir were next onto the stage singing ‘Away in A Manger’, ‘Little Donkey’ and ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star'.

After a few renditions of 'Jingle Bells', Santa Claus (Mid Tyne Lions) finally arrived on his sleigh, just in time!  After waving and saying hello to the children, Santa climbed onto the stage to join the Minions and was then joined by Kian and his family for the big countdown…

Kian pressed the huge button to switch on the lights, and everyone cheered!

*************************

We keep saying that this event gets bigger and better each year, but it really does, even the rain didn’t put local people off. We thought Queen Elsa would be difficult to top but I think the Minions did just that.  This is the 2nd year the Town Council have used a character instead of a celebrity and it clearly works; Party Stars North East do not just bring a character they bring the personality too, really joining in the spirit of the occasion.

The staging this year was a huge improvement as was having the road closed, which although was entered into with caution, there was pleasingly no negative feedback and we hope disruption was minimal.  The Town Council did write to all those directly effected as well as ensuring bus detours were well publicised.

There were many shops that stayed open during the switch-on as well as making sure there frontage was decorated, this as well as the Spetchells Christmas Fair ensures that the event is seen as part of the whole Front Street, engaging the whole community.

There was great interest in the Minions decorating the stage, as well as the Minions themselves.  These were designed by The East Youth Service (aka Carol Quinn and Ian Lowery and some young people) with tyres provided by Mickley Garage.  One was given to Kian and 2 have been sold to cover the costs of paint, it’s a great and very simple idea!  

The set-up of the staging, etc. took longer than previous years but again community spirit was alive and well with volunteers from Prudhoe Youth Charity Shop; Joe, Ian and Martin, and Fire Fighters from Prudhoe Station all working together after the stage was put up by Hi-Lights.

It’s not Christmas without a bit of sparkle and you can always count on Prudhoe Parents Group to bring just that.  Thank you very much to Kirsty Stobbs and the team for keeping cold hands entertained and warm with crafty fun.

Stalwarts of the event, Caroline & Ian Warburton (Dragontale Theatre Group and Prudhoe Community Events Steering Committee) were assisted this year by Prudhoe Co-op, not only in providing the mulled wine and mince pies but serving them also.  Fran from the Co-op said “I have done lots of work in the community but this was just great, I’ve been in Prudhoe for a while now and have never experienced anything like it.  We were delighted to be involved”.

Cllr Mrs Jennifer McGee said “Prudhoe Town Council organises and sponsors Prudhoe's Christmas lights and the switch on event, as Chairman of the Events Committee may I thank everyone who worked so hard to make this year's switch-on so successful.  Well done and thank you everyone.

I am pleased we insisted that the road be closed as it made a huge difference with so many people and families attending this year. Northumberland County Council did well re road closure.  It was also a great improvement having the stage and I hope everyone had a better view, especially of the Minions.

Thank you to everyone, especially the children, who came and joined in our Town's Christmas switch- on.  I don't know how to say it in 'Minion' but 'Merry Christmas', I think and hope everyone had fun.”

Please enjoy the following video made possible due to the magnificient photographs taken by Moira Wooldridge (Community Photographer).

MERRY CHRISTMAS