Festive
Events in Ilfracombe
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• Bill Bailey waves to the crowd.
Ref: TG0050 (wk 49) |
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| • Crowds pack the streets for the big switch-on. Ref: TG0051 (wk49) |
THOUSANDS crammed into every square inch of space to celebrate what could be the best-ever switch-on of the Christmas lights in Ilfracombe.
Comedian Bill Bailey was invited to conduct the big switch-on and the Never Mind the Buzzcocks star was bowled over by the event, describing it as “fantastic.”
As the square at the war memorial rapidly filled with revellers, children from Ilfracombe Junior School filed in, led by town crier Roy Goodwin.
Organised by Ilfracombe High Street Traders, with support from the Town Council, the lighting-up is followed by a parade to the High Street and late night shopping.
The Rev Preb Nigel Jackson-Stevens led a simple service and carols were sung by the parish church choir.
From an open top double-decker bus which led the procession, television celebrity Bill clearly enjoyed himself.
“This is fantastic,” he told the Gazette.
“What a great street party, it actually makes you feel a real surge of pride for being British when you see things like this.
“I’ve done something similar in Ealing, but nothing on this scale – there is a really great spirit down here and a sense of community.”
Nick Pedlar of the High Street Traders said it had been one of the most successful in the 11-year history of the event.
He said the event would not be possible without the support of Ilfracombe Rotary, which provides marshals, the Round Table Santa’s Sleigh and St John Ambulance.
“Bill Bailey was delightful and put everyone at ease. I think he thoroughly enjoyed it and it was good of him to come and support Ilfracombe.”
A community Christmas
THERE are countless community events taking place around the town in the run up to December 25.
Pupils at the Junior School have a busy end to their Christmas term, beginning with a Nativity Play by Year Three youngsters at St Peter’s Church on December 12 from 10am, with all welcome.
Families and parents are invited to the Year Five school Christmas Fayre at 1.30pm later the same day.
On December 14 Year Six will be heading down to St Peter’s Church for their annual Carol Concert, with performances at 2 and 6pm.
There is also a production at the school for parents with the Year Four Christmas Show on December 15, at 2 and 6pm.
All are welcome to Ilfracombe Infants’ School on Friday, December 8, from 2.30pm for the annual Christmas Fair.
FOR the first time in memory Ilfracombe Parish Church (the Holy Trinity) has had to change the day of its annual carol service.
The traditional Festival of Nine Lesson and Carols will be on Thursday, December 21 at 7pm and not the last Sunday before Christmas as usual, because this year that would be Christmas Eve.
The Rev Preb Nigel Jackson-Stevens said the service was always a favourite because people loved to join in with the carols and experience the atmosphere of a traditional church choir.
The programme continues at the Parish Church on Christmas Eve with a 5pm Crib Service for Children, followed by Midnight Mass and Blessing of the Crib at midnight.
Christmas Day begins with Holy Communion and Carols at 9am in the Parish Church, before moving on to St Peter’s in Highfield Road for Sung Eucharist and Communion at 10.30am with the Parish Church Choir.
THE eagerly anticipated Ilfracombe Christmas Carnival will take place on Saturday, December 23, leaving the Wilder Road car park at 11am before proceeding down to the harbour.
The colourful event should be quite an occasion this year, with local charity TLC pulling out all the stops for a procession to remember. Along with Santa, walkers and bands, the newly-formed TLC Community Troupe of majorettes will be stepping out too.
The carnival has a very serious side and is a chance for the whole community to give to those who have very little at Christmas.
TLC uses proceeds from the event to ensure children from less fortunate families across the district have at least one present to open on Christmas morning.
Families are nominated by social services, and together with those identified by the charity itself, TLC founder Ray Hooper said demand could well be up by 50 per cent this year.
“If that’s anything along the lines of last year, we are trying to look after two to three thousand children in North Devon,” he said.
More than ever the charity is relying on the heartfelt generosity of local people to ensure everyone enjoys a little cheer this Christmas.
TLC needs toys of all kinds for youngsters aged between 0-14 years - and while they don’t have to be new, they need to be in good condition and complete.
Donations of toys can be taken to the TLC Community Benefit Shop in Portland Street, Ilfracombe, or the charity can arrange to pick them up. If you would like to help, telephone TLC on (01271) 866315.
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