One of the girls tipped for stardom by judge Kelly Rowland, 19yr old Sophie who worked as a barmaid in London before hitting the big time on the X Factor, has one of the best voices to feature in this year’s competition. As part of the city’s Christmas Carnival on Thursday, 01 December, Plymouth will be able to hear super Sophie sing for free as we continue the countdown to Christmas!
Sponsored by Radio Plymouth and City College Plymouth, the Winter Festival brings together a wide range of festive fun and frolics to make sure this Christmas really is one to remember.
Plymouth’s Christmas Carnival – one of the highlights of the Winter Festival – takes place On Thursday 1st December and is set to add a generous helping of festive cheer to one and all!
Now in its fourth year, the Christmas Carnival is bigger than ever, with a packed programme of free entertainment throughout the afternoon and into the evening, designed to add a little bit of magic to late night shopping.
Christmas Carnival festivities start at 4pm on the Radio Plymouth stage in Frankfort Gate, which will host a wide range of family entertainment with a great mix of Christmas music and dance, including some top local and national acts with Sophie Habibis performing at around 7.30pm.
There will be a variety of different street entertainment and fun throughout the city centre as well as the chance to meet some real reindeer, who will be paying us a very special visit from 4pm-8pm, go and say hello to these magical, beautiful creatures at their special enclosure at the bottom of Cornwall Street.
The twinkling twilight lantern parade that has become the highlight of the Christmas Carnival begins at 6.30pm, where 200 school children will parade their handmade lanterns throughout the city centre. Led by traditional nativity themed characters including Donkeys and Shetland Ponies from Pennywell Farm and accompanied by street performers and Samba bands, the twinkling twilight lantern parade is the perfect finale to an evening of magical winter entertainment.
Councillor Vivien Pengelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This year’s Christmas Carnival is going to be one of our best yet. The fantastic array of entertainment from Shetland Ponies and real reindeer to street performers and a lantern parade will turn the West End of the city into a festive wonderland.
“The announcement that Sophie Habibis will be joining us is welcome news, giving Plymouth the ultimate X Factor. Come and join the fun!"
Clint Jones, Plymouth City Centre Manager said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to bring Sophie Habibis to Plymouth to perform at our ever popular Christmas Carnival. I am a huge fan of the X Factor and in Sophie we have one of the most talented of the 2011 finalists.
“The Christmas Carnival is an event for all the family and I am sure that the addition of Sophie Habibis to the already fantastic line up of entertainment will add a little extra Christmas magic to proceedings.
“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.
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
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 X Factor finalist Sophie Habibis, 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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