Magical lights switch-on events in Eton, Windsor and Maidenhead this month will kick-off the start of the festive season in the Royal Borough.
You can see the spectacle of Eton’s lights switch-on in the High Street on Thursday 16 November, with food stalls, funfair rides, music and dancing, in and around Jubilee Square from 5pm.
The chapel service will be at 6pm, followed by a procession with Father Christmas and the switch-on itself in Jubilee Square at 7pm.
With the majestic Windsor Castle as the backdrop, Windsor’s switch-on will take place in Castle Hill on Saturday 18 November, with a full programme of live festive performances from local groups from 1pm, plus community stands, funfair rides and food stalls. The switch-on ceremony will be at 5.30pm, led by the Mayor, Councillor Neil Knowles, and the cast from the Theatre Royal’s pantomime, Aladdin.
Maidenhead’s lights switch-on follows on Saturday 25 November, where the fun begins from 11am.
Throughout the day a bustling Festive Market will take place on St Ives Road and in Library Square with a selection of stalls, a bar and street food as well as children’s funfair rides.
There will be live entertainment from community groups, including Sign4You Choir from 11am. Performances on the main stage kicks off at 3pm with performances from Courtland Stories, Dance Inspired and headliners, The Bottle Kids.
The exciting countdown for the switch-on begins just before 6pm outside the Town Hall followed by a fireworks’ display, subject to weather conditions.
To help you save when you shop, join our Resident Parking Discount Scheme, offering one hour’s free parking in eight popular car parks - Grove Road, West Street and Hines Meadow in Maidenhead, Alexandra Gardens, Alma Road and Victoria Street in Windsor and Meadow Lane in Eton.
If you are a resident of the Royal Borough, you can apply for the virtual permits required, free-of-charge at https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/transport-and-streets/parking/resident-parking-discount-scheme.
Parking is also free in Grove Road, West Street, Hines Meadow, Vicus Way and Stafferton Way in Maidenhead all day on Sundays.
Councillor Simon Werner, the Council Leader, said: “We know that Christmas is a crucial time for our town centres and traders, and we’d encourage our residents to visit their high streets, discover what they have to offer and support our businesses by shopping local.
“These magical light switch-on events provide the perfect opportunity to spend time in our town centres while enjoying the start of the festive season. You’ll be able to pick up unique gifts for family and friends, providing a much-needed boost for retailers during this peak trading period in the process, so please do take the opportunity to be part of these wonderful events.”
For more information about festive events in the Royal Borough, visit www.windsor.gov.uk/ideas-and-inspiration/christmas.
The switch-on events are organised by volunteer committees. Windsor’s event is funded by the Windsor, Eton and Ascot Town Partnership and sponsorship from businesses, Maidenhead’s event is funded by the Maidenhead Town Partnership via sponsorship from businesses, and Eton’s event is coordinated by the Eton Community Association and the Windsor, Eton and Ascot Town Partnership and funded by both organisations. The council is grateful for the support of our partners and the volunteer committees.