The Winter Festival, sponsored by City College Plymouth and Radio Plymouth, was created by Plymouth City Centre Company to encourage people from across the region to celebrate Christmas in the city. Now in its second year, the Festival brings together a wide range of events and activities, placing Plymouth as the region’s top destination for retail and leisure this Christmas.
The Winter Festival opens with the Christmas Lights switch-on (Thursday 17 Nov) starring inspirational Plymouth Marine Mark Ormrod, Britain’s Got Talent stars Michael Collings and Ronan Parke and Hannah Nicholas, star of Cinderella at the Theatre Royal. There will be a whole stocking full of fun and entertainment starting on the Heart FM stage at the top of Cornwall Street from 4pm.
To add to the celebrations on Thursday 17 November, the Christmas Market opens on Armada Way, offering a whole range of delightful gifts and treats and the Ice Rink on the Piazza – part of the new Winter Wonderland attraction – will reveal its new festive look! The Winter Wonderland is a major feature of the Winter Festival and alongside the ever popular ice rink includes a grotto where little ones can meet Santa, take tea with him and even get an early Christmas gift!
The Winter Festival fun keeps on coming throughout November and into December with the Christmas Carnival (01 December), late night shopping every Thursday (until 22 Dec), festive street entertainment, a visit from the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas truck (20 Nov), Cinderella in Pantomime at the Theatre Royal (16 Dec – 21 Jan), festive shows at the Pavilions, Christmas Craft Markets at Royal William Yard (26 Nov – 10 Dec), festive fun and games in the Barbican (03 and 04 December), and a very special Santa fun run (04 December).
Councillor Vivien Pengelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “What a year this has been for Plymouth! I can think of no better way to round it off than with the best Christmas shopping, events and entertainment offer in the South West.
“Plymouth is wonderful all year round, but it holds a special magic over the festive season so I am delighted to see so much on offer for residents and visitors this Christmas. Plus, with works on Gdynia Way now complete and the newly renovated Western Approach shoppers’ car park, where you can park all day for £5, it is easier than ever to get in and park.
“I hope people from all across the region come and visit us in Plymouth and experience all that we have to offer.”
Clint Jones, Plymouth City Centre Manager said: “This year’s Winter Festival line up is by far the best in the South West. As a city Plymouth is raising its game and I am confident that our fantastic retail offer alongside the great range of festive entertainment and events – many of which are free to enjoy – will attract thousands of visitors to Plymouth this Christmas.
“It has been another tough year for retailers, with economic pressures hitting businesses and shoppers alike. We are committed to supporting the city’s retailers and are pulling out all the stops this Christmas, at what is a key trading time for everyone.”
For information on all the events and activities that form past of this year’s Winter festival please visit www.shopplymouth.co.uk become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/PlymouthWinterFestival or follow us on Twitter @PlymWinterFest
Forthcoming Winter Festival Events:
November
17th Start of Winter Festival – Plymouth City Centre
Christmas Lights Switch On featuring Mark Ormrod, Michael Collings, Ronan Parke and Hannah Nicholas.
Winter Wonderland on the Piazza opens
Christmas Market on Armada Way opens
Late Night Shopping and street entertainment
20th Coca-Cola Christmas Tour – the iconic Coca-Cola truck visits Plymouth Piazza from 4-8pm
24th Late Night Shopping and street entertainment, Plymouth City Centre
26th Flameworks’ ART2GO Christmas Craft Fair opens at Royal William Yard and runs until 10th December.
December
1st Christmas Carnival in Plymouth City Centre featuring live reindeer, Samba Bands and a twinkling twilight lantern parade. Activity starts from 4pm
Late Night shopping and street entertainment
3rd-4th Christmas fun on the Barbican
3rd Royal Marine Band Christmas Spectacular, Plymouth Pavilions
4th Christmas Fun Run through Plymouth City Centre
8th Late Night shopping and street entertainment
14th QuoFestive – a special festive show from legendary rockers Status Quo, featuring Roy Wood and Kim Wilde, Plymouth Pavilions
15th Late Night shopping and street entertainment
16th Cinderella in Panto at the Theatre Royal opens and runs until 21st Jan 2012
22nd Late Night shopping and street entertainment
Ends
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