RUGBY’S Olympic-sized Christmas Lights Switch-on is taking place this weekend.
Olympians from the town – rower Lauren Henry, canoeist Kimberley Woods and judoka Chelsie Giles – will be the star guests at the event, which takes place on Sunday (November 17) between 12 noon and 6pm.
The switch-on, which is expected to attract a crowd of around 8,000, will feature a programme of live music and dance, a funfair, children’s entertainment, face painting, street food and stalls spread across North Street, Church Street, Market Place, Regent Street, Henry Street, Albert Street, Bank Street and other areas of the town centre.
Father Christmas will also be making a special appearance and helping to switch the Christmas lights on.
The event is being delivered by Rugby First on behalf of Rugby Borough Council.
Rugby First Business Director Linda Lowne said: “We are really excited about this year’s switch-on.
“I think the fantastic music programme along with the other attractions will provide some great family entertainment and draw large crowds, which can only be good news for the town centre economy.
“The annual event is always very well-attended and generates significant footfall and trade for town centre businesses.
“Don’t forget, the town centre is not just for Christmas but the whole of the year – so please support your local businesses.”
Gold-winning Lauren Henry, born and raised in Rugby, was a member of Team GB’s triumphant Women’s Quadruple Sculls team at the Paris 2024 Olympics this summer. She has told The Observer her goal is to be ‘the most successful female rower ever from Great Britain’.
Rugbeian Kimberley Woods won bronze medals in both the kayak cross and kayak single events at the Paris games.
And Wolston-based Chelsie Giles won bronze in the judo event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
All three Olympians have been awarded the Freedom of the Borough.
Visit www.rugbyfirst.org for information and updates about the Christmas light switch-on.
