One of the main objectives of the Weymouth BID business plan is to attract more visitors to the town during the out of season months and one of the best ways of doing this is to organise and financially sponsor great events. Building on the success of 2013 the Weymouth Victorian Shownight will be returning on Friday 5th December from 3pm in the heart of Weymouth and will continue on Saturday 6th December from 11am when Father Christmas will come to town with his helpers and reindeers.
The Shownight event organisers, Roger Dalton Associates have secured Pennsylvania Castle as Gold Sponsor of the event for the second year.Kat McConnell, Event Coordinatorsaid:-
“After the success of last year’s Victorian Shownight, Colonial Leisure Ltd are delighted to be the Gold Sponsor of this year’s event once again. The town centre had an amazing atmosphere in 2013 and it really got us into the Christmas spirit. It’s a special time of year for us at The Penn with Christmas weddings, guests joining us for seasonal celebrations and families coming to stay for the holidays. We’re really looking forward to being part of this year’s shownight festivities”.
Silver Sponsors are Battens and Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce. Cherise Luke-Bennett, Senior Associate Solicitor at Battens said “The Victorian night is growing each year with this year’s event planned to be bigger and better than even before. At Battens, we take a very active role in the community and we champion many local charities and causes through our charitable trust. The Victorian night is very much in the same spirit a as it’s about bringing the business and local community together to celebrate the run up to Christmas. We are proud to be one of the first sponsor of the event which is now an important date on the calendar. We’re really looking forward to it and will be taking part in many of the activities.”
The Chamber’s sponsorship includes the Best Dressed Christmas Window competition and support funding for the Lantern Parade. Julie Cleaver, President of the Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce said “The Chamber are always supportive of the Lighting up of the
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Christmas lights, over the years we have seen the event grow and grow and we are very pleased to see that businesses this year will benefit from a two day event – I am sure it will be a huge success”.
This year the Weymouth BID have been successful in applying to the Arts Council for a grant of £9,000. The grant will be used in conjunction with Emerald Ant, to create a spectacular Lantern Parade which will involve 7 schools and the local community. The Parade will leave from Hope Square and walk through the town before arriving in Lower Bond Street where the Christmas lights will be turned on by the Mayor.
Dream Cottages are a consistent supporter of local the events and are category sponsors for Shownight. Joy Sangster, Sales & Marketing Director said “Dream Cottages are delighted to be sponsoring this fantastic event. The team and I are really looking forward to the festive fun on the 5th & 6th December. We had a great time last year and are pleased to have the opportunity of supporting this local BID led initiative.”
The Weymouth Community Volunteers will be welcoming visitors whilst keeping the crowds under control and acting as Shownight Ambassadors together with the Weymouth BID Weyfarers.
Draft Programme for Friday
3.00pm
Christmas market and synthetic ice rink opens supported by a full programme of Choirs including the sixty-strong Rock Choir, festive music and dance.
5.00pm
The Lantern Parade led by a processional band leave Hope Square and walk to New Bond Street to launch the lighting up ceremony.
6.00pm
The Mayor arrives and Pantomime characters leads the countdown to switch on of lights in town centre
A full programme of entertainment and street threatre continues throughout the evening.
Draft Programme for Saturday
11.00am
Santa arrives on his sleigh pulled by 2 reindeer to his grotto by St Mary’s Church. Visitors will have an opportunity to pet the reindeer and there will be photo opportunities with Santa
12 noon
Santa will be in his grotto
The Ice rink, Christmas market and a full programme of entertainment and street threatre continues throughout the day.
*Programme may be subject to change
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For businesses who would like to take part in the event, they should contact Roger Dalton, Event Organiser on 07899 978104 or email [email protected]
For further information please view www.WeAreWeymouth.co.uk
To interview Nigel Reed, Weymouth BID Manager please call 01305 779410
To interview Roger Dalton, Event Organiser please call 07899 978104
Press enquiries to Julie Cleaver at Popcorn Marketing Tel 01305 774629 or Mobile 07831 696167 or email [email protected]
