Peppa Pig to switch on Christmas lights (From Worcester News)

Peppa Pig to switch on Christmas lights at CrownGate shopping centre, Worcester

11:38am Thursday 8th November 2012 in News By Catherine Phillips, Reporter

CHILDREN’S favourite Peppa Pig and her brother George will be switching on the Christmas lights in CrownGate Shopping Centre.

Hundreds of people are expected to fill the city centre to watch the lights being turned on at the Guildhall in the High Street, followed by the shopping centre, on Thursday, November 15.

The festivities will begin at 4.30pm outside the Guildhall with BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter Howard Bentham and his team.

The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Roger Berry, will then perform the switch-on supported by pupils from Stanley Road Primary School at 5.30pm.

At CrownGate Shopping Centre, Peppa and George will be meeting their young fans from 2pm before performing the lights switch-on with a lucky child at just after 6pm.

Erica Burlace, CrownGate Shopping Centre manager, said: “Christmas is a truly magical time of year for all ages, and we’re sure that Peppa and George will be a huge draw, enabling us to get the festivities started with a smile.”

Free Radio personalities along with breakfast show presenters Hursty and Helen will be in Friary Walk from 4.30pm to get people in the party mood with games and competitions.

Marking the countdown to Christmas, the light switch-ons will herald the start of Thursday late-night shopping, with many shops taking part. Some stores will be open until 9pm to make the most of the shopping season.

Georgia Smith, head of VisitWorcester, said: “The switching on of the Christmas lights across the city is a great time for young and old alike and we feel sure that everyone will want to turn out to see the lights and get their Christmas shopping off to a great start.”

l The Guildhall will also be a polling station for the police commissioner elections on Thursday, November 15. People will be able to enter the building during the Christmas lights switch-on through the north wing where the lifts are situated.