THE SPIRIT of Christmas came to life in Bedworth as thousands saw the town’s lights switched on by Father Christmas on Saturday. Santa was joined on stage by the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Councillor Neil Phillips, to have the honour of turning on the lights which was then followed by a magnificent fireworks display. Visitors to the town joined in the festivities throughout the day whether they were listening to one of the numerous acts from the Bedworth Winter Folk Festival performing throughout the town centre or entertained themselves at the funfair. Mayor Neil Phillips said: “It was an absolutely fabulous evening and the people of Bedworth were really supportive and looked like they were having a great time. “It was really pleasing to see so many stall holders getting involved with Christmas by decorating their stalls and taking pride in the festivities. “There were lots of people from outside Bedworth who came along as well - I met people from Northampton, Cheltenham and Leamington Spa during the day.” It is Nuneaton’s turn this Saturday to get hyped up for Christmas with the celebrations getting underway from 10.30am when Oak FM take to the stage in Church Street while Mercia FM Street Stars will be in Chapel Street and performances take place in Queens Road, Market Place and at the front of the Town Hall. Included in the line-up will be Phase One Steel Band, the Jaguar Land Rover band, Avon Jazz, Amy Cartwright, 4+1 Jazz and Bedworth Brass. Boy band Last Chance will sing from 3.30pm at the Town Hall steps, followed by Kirsty Anderson at 4pm leading to the main switch-on event and firework finale at 5pm. This will then be followed by a carol service. Ropewalk shopping centre and Abbeygate will both be open until 7pm and the market until 6pm, while parking is free in council car parks from 4pm. Leader of the council Dennis Harvey said: “This year’s switch-on event is set to be the best ever. Town centre businesses have really come together and sponsored the fantastic street entertainment that will be offering up festive cheer all day.” “The switch-on of the Christmas lights will be carried out by Santa and the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Cllr Neil Phillips, outside the Town Hall. This will be a truly festive occasion and I would urge everyone to come along and join in the fun.” | 
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