Bradford gets ready for festive fun

Bradford will be getting into the festive spirit next month as Christmas celebrations kick off in the city.

Late-night Christmas shopping will start in Bradford on Thursday, November 15, before the Christmas lights switch-on and annual reindeer parade at the weekend.

The lights are set to be switched on at around 6pm on Saturday, November 17 in City Park, with entertainment starting at noon and circus attractions, fireworks and live music all promised.

The festivities get going with midday music and street performers and at 5pm the main show will begin with carol singers.

There will then be an aerial show from French street art company Transe Express, who will be raised 200ft above the park, creating an orchestra of bells and performing trapeze tricks.

After the lights have been switched on, a fireworks display will entertain those who have turned out to watch. The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Dale Smith, will be attending the lights ceremony with his wife, Margaret, the Lady Mayoress.

He said: “It will be a super night and I invite families to come down to see and enjoy this dazzling spectacle in our beautiful City Park.

“I know traders also look forward to the switch on which gives city centre businesses a welcome boost in the run up to Christmas and keeps Bradford busy.”

The lights will illuminate Bradford City centre through the Christmas period until Saturday, January 5.

Kirkgate Shopping Cen-tre’s annual reindeer parade will take place on Sunday, November 18 at 10am.

The parade will be taking a new route this year, heading along Kirkgate and Sunbridge Road.

The reindeers will be joined in the procession by Santa and two babies and, as well as two horse drawn glass carriages and a new reindeer mascot.

The Lord Mayor’s car will also take part in the procession, and music will be provided by the fire brigade band. After the parade, the reindeer will be on display to the public in a pen at the Centre, and Santa’s grotto will open for children.

City Park will be hosting festive entertainment every Saturday until December 22 in the build up to Christmas.

Comments(16)

collos25 says...
9:49am Sat 20 Oct 12

I thought Christmas was Dec 23 24 25 and 26.

collos25 says...
9:51am Sat 20 Oct 12

I thought Christmas was Dec 23 24 25 and 26.

Joedavid says...
12:08pm Sat 20 Oct 12

collos25 wrote:
I thought Christmas was Dec 23 24 25 and 26.
But that is the Christian part, IE for those who know who's birthday is being celebrated.

Avro says...
12:47pm Sat 20 Oct 12

The T&A were quick to anounce that "Girls Aloud" were to reunite, so why not get Bradford's Kimberely Walsh to switch on the lights?

collos25 says...
4:08pm Sat 20 Oct 12

Who is Kimberley Walsh?

collos25 says...
4:11pm Sat 20 Oct 12

Joedavid wrote:
collos25 wrote: I thought Christmas was Dec 23 24 25 and 26.
But that is the Christian part, IE for those who know who's birthday is being celebrated.
Is it my father he was born over the christmas period can't think of any other that is important to me..

JAtkinson says...
4:14pm Sat 20 Oct 12

Normal Christmas Lights Switch Ons sound boring and simply awful - but Bradford's promises to be exciting, interesting and different, reminiscent of the exciting City Park opening.

Can't wait, but, for me, we can keep B list celebs out of it and not go down the line of other cities.

Roll on November!

bradfordian says...
5:07pm Sat 20 Oct 12

I recommend the christmas lights switch on there is such a good atmosphere. The reindeer parade is wonderful, magical too. I have a attended many of these parades and I am a pensioner. And I do know the true meaning of Christmas- Love, Hope and Faith.

wobbley-bob says...
9:53pm Sat 20 Oct 12

Good Evening Reno.

springmount says...
1:21pm Sun 21 Oct 12

collos25 wrote:
I thought Christmas was Dec 23 24 25 and 26.
Dec 23rd ?, whats that got to do with Christmas

johnhem says...
1:58pm Sun 21 Oct 12

on years where the 23rd falls on a friday its the 1st day of xmas.... everyone knows that ;-)

Albion. says...
2:06pm Sun 21 Oct 12

johnhem wrote:
on years where the 23rd falls on a friday its the 1st day of xmas.... everyone knows that ;-)
It might be the first day of your holiday but it isn't the first day of Christmas. http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Twelve_Days
_of_Christmas

loftyme says...
3:34pm Sun 21 Oct 12

Albion. wrote:
johnhem wrote: on years where the 23rd falls on a friday its the 1st day of xmas.... everyone knows that ;-)
It might be the first day of your holiday but it isn't the first day of Christmas. http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Twelve_Days _of_Christmas
Thankyou Albion, i thought "eveyone knew that" !

johnhem says...
7:30pm Sun 21 Oct 12

Albion. wrote:
johnhem wrote:
on years where the 23rd falls on a friday its the 1st day of xmas.... everyone knows that ;-)
It might be the first day of your holiday but it isn't the first day of Christmas. http://en.wikipedia.

org/wiki/Twelve_Days

_of_Christmas
thank you albion, next time i'll stick my tongue OUT instead of in cheek!!!

Albion. says...
7:41pm Sun 21 Oct 12

johnhem wrote:
Albion. wrote:
johnhem wrote:
on years where the 23rd falls on a friday its the 1st day of xmas.... everyone knows that ;-)
It might be the first day of your holiday but it isn't the first day of Christmas. http://en.wikipedia.


org/wiki/Twelve_Days


_of_Christmas
thank you albion, next time i'll stick my tongue OUT instead of in cheek!!!
My pleasure :-)

ollie59 says...
9:51pm Mon 22 Oct 12

"The reindeers will be joined in the procession by Santa and two babies and, as well as two horse drawn glass carriages and a new reindeer mascot."
*
Who has written this, someone on work experience from one of Bradford's failing schools?

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