Christmas in Salisbury gets underway today without traditional light switch on
There's still plenty going on
Christmas in Salisbury will get underway tonight (Friday November 19th) without the traditional light switch on event, for the second year running.
Salisbury City Council have told Greatest Hits Radio that a large event is "extremely costly and risky to run whilst coronavirus is still very much of concern to many."
Instead we're being promised an evening of "family-friendly fun in the Market Place" from 4pm to 8pm which includes a reindeer, carol singers and performers.
Today will also marks the return of the pop up Christmas on the Square event in front of the Guildhall, as the city starts getting festive.
That'll include a bar and food area which will run until January 3rd.
For children they'll also be a Santa's Little Wonderland up until Christmas Eve, time slots will need to be booked in advance. Tickets can be brought though the Experience Salisbury website.
Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr Caroline Corbin, said:
“At last, we can start to put the last year behind us and look forward to a joyful Christmas. We can come back together to celebrate the festive season with a programme of events aimed at bringing vibrancy and vitality to our city. We want to make sure Salisbury is filled with festivities for the whole family. We hope you can join us!”
Return of the Nutcrackers
After a two year hiatus Salisbury Bid will bring back their impressive Nutcrackers.
The giant statues, each more than six foot tall will be hidden in businesses across the city with shoppers and local encouraged to take a selfie and be in with a chance to win a £100 Salisbury Gift card.
Chief Executive, Robin McGowan said:
“The Nutcrackers are always a big draw to Salisbury city centre, so we are thrilled to be able to bring them back this year. Not only will the giant statues keep children entertained during the Christmas shopping trips, hiding them in businesses will serve as a reminder that we should all shop local where possible. After a hard couple of years, businesses need our continued support.”
The City Council's Christmas Tree Trail is also back.
The event will start at Salisbury Cathedral and finish at the Market Place.
No panto but there is a Christmas show!
Whilst there's no traditional pantomime at Salisbury Playhouse Wiltshire Creative is putting on a Christmas show set in a 1950s wonderland.
Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon runs from the 3rd – 31 December and features characters like Big Bad Wolf and Prince Charming, music and puppetry.
Cathedral offerings
Whilst The Snowman returns to Salisbury Cathedral with a live orchestra on Friday 3rd December.
This year will also see the return of some popular fixtures in the Cathedral’s festive calendar.
The Darkness to Light Procession, when the Cathedral celebrates the start of Advent, will take place at 7pm on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th November, and 5pm on Sunday 28th November.
This beautiful service begins in total darkness and ends with the ancient building ablaze with over a thousand flickering candles.
On 8th December, the gigantic Christmas tree will be hoisted up at the Cathedral’s West End. Soaring at around 32ft, the huge Norway Spruce comes from Longleat’s sustainable forest, so as the Cathedral tree goes up another will be planted in its place.
Carols by Candlelight takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd December and a Family Service will be held on Christmas Eve at 3.30pm.
More details on all these events will be released soon. Check the Cathedral website at www.salisburycathedral.org.uk