Christmas lights switch-on event to be streamed on Facebook as coronavirus pandemic forces Newark Town Council to change schedule
Newark’s traditional Christmas lights switch-on event may have been cancelled — but the show will go on.
The event, which would usually attract thousands to Newark Market Place, has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the switch-on will go on, but this year it will be attended virtually.
Newark Town Council, alongside Newark and Sherwood District Council, Radio Newark and the town centre retail community, have instead compiled an online show that will be go live from 4pm on Sunday.
The online event will be available via the Newark Royal Market Facebook page, found by going to www.facebook.com/newarkroyalmarket
The video will be streamed on Facebook Live, allowing viewers to send in Christmas messages and interact in real time.
Radio Newark will also be broadcasting the event from 4pm.
The one-hour programme will include seasonal songs by vocalist Matt Shephardson, local retailers performing Twelve Days Of Christmas, performances from local school choirs, Christmas messages and will end with the Christmas lights being turned on by the Town Mayor Irene Brown.
Alan Mellor, town clerk, said: “While we cannot all gather together in the Market Place this year for the usual lights switch-on, Newark Town Centre will, as always at this time of year, have lights in all of the main streets and not least the fantastic curtain of lights will again be showing off our beautiful market place.
“Town councillors were keen to provide a safe online alternative to mark the Christmas lights turning on in the market place and around the town centre.
“We also want to use the opportunity to remind everyone that for the Newark town centre retailers, especially our many brilliant small independents, the run up to Christmas is a critical time of year for their trading and we would recommend that wherever possible we shop locally and safely.”
Subject to coronavirus tier restrictions, which are to be announced today, the town council has arranged a limited Christmas Craft and Charity Market to take place on December 6 and December 20.
The annual Newark Christmas Market and Winter Feast will also take place on December 12 and 13 — subject to coronavirus restrictions.
“Our usual precautions will be in place and we would remind everyone who intends to do their shopping in the town centre and the market to do so respecting social distancing for their safety and that of others,” said Mr Mellor.
