Bath BID and the Council have announced details of the programme for the Christmas lights switch on which is taking place tomorrow in Bath.

Courtesy of visitbath.co.uk
Andrew Cooper, Manager of the Bath BID Company said: “The evening will start at 5.30pm compered by Imogen Sellers with local bands and a choir, all in aid of the RUH’s Forever Friends Cancer Care Appeal. The Park and Ride will be operating later so everyone can enjoy the lights switch on in Bath.”
The evening starts at 5.30pm with City of Bath student band, Too Much Lipstick, five talented young people currently studying at the College, selected from a short list of eight bands to perform. BA1 is the City of Bath College‘s own label which has spawned some impressive acts including Gabrielle Aplin, Lascel Wood, Bite the Buffalo and Georgie Vale
Bath Rugby Players Matt Banahan, Leroy Houston, Nathan Catt, Tom Biggs, Carl Fearns and Will Spencer will be collecting for the RUH Cancer Care Campaign, the official charity for the event. The Forever Friends Appeal’s RUH Cancer Care Campaign are raising £8.5million towards building a pioneering new Cancer Centre for the Royal United Hospital here in Bath. This Cancer Centre will be a state of the art building, with every part designed around the needs of patients with different cancers.
Bath based Vocal Works Gospel Choir are about to celebrate their ten year anniversary and have just released their 4th album ‘Gospel Rocks’. They can be heard on the BBC Children In Need album backing Peter Gabriel, Brian May, Bill Wyman & others.
The Right Worshipful, Mayor of Bath, Councillor Malcolm Lees and the Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Neil Butters will be on stage to welcome guest of honour, Mary Berry. Her father, Alleyne Berry served as Mayor in 1952 and he was closely involved in establishing the University of Bath.
The countdown begins for the switch on at 6.30 pm. Park and Ride arrangements have been extended until 10.00pm.
Mary Berry said: “I am immensely honoured to be asked to switch on the Bath Christmas Lights, I was born in the city and come back frequently. Bath has an awful lot to offer at Christmas, Milsom Street will look the finest street in the country! My father always said when walking through Bath always raise your head and look at the fine architecture”.
Switching on the lights marks the start of the Christmas shopping season, an important driver for the local economy. Councillor David Dixon, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said “Bath & North East Somerset Council is delighted to be continuing its financial support for Christmas lighting. Christmas lights are an important part of the offer of the High Street during the festive period, playing an important role in making the shopping and visiting experience more enjoyable. We are looking forward to welcoming Mary Berry on November 12th.”
Bath is top of the list for the region’s Christmas shoppers as it combines the festive Christmas market next to Bath Abbey, with unusual gifts in Bath independents and all the top high street brands with a picture perfect backdrop. Bath has a gift for everyone, a wide choice of restaurants and cafes and even the opportunity for some pamper time at Thermae Bath Spa after a productive day of shopping.
This year Bath Rugby stars will be rattling tins for a popular local cause, The Forever Friends Appeal. Andrew Cooper explained: “We are thrilled to be supporting the Forever Friends Appeal this year and are confident that the people of Bath will share the excitement and give generously to this important cause.”
Extended Park and Ride hours and late night shopping will create opportunities for gift shopping out of office hours.
2 Comments
NOW Bath
Monday 11th November, 2013 at 14:10It’s for the safety of the thousands of people who will be filling the streets.
helen_westcountry
Monday 11th November, 2013 at 14:02Is it really necessary to shut down many roads in central Bath hours and hours beforehand? For someone flipping a switch?