The Weymouth Victorian Shownight will be held on Friday 6th December in the heart of Weymouth starting at 3pm and finishing at 9pm.
The Shownight event organisers have secured the Pennsylvania Castle as Gold Sponsor for the event and Jo Peters, Manager said “We are really excited to be accepted as Gold Sponsor for Victorian Shownight and to work alongside other local businesses also sponsoring what looks set to be a memorable event. The Penn is a special place to be over Christmas with families and friends coming together to celebrate with a weekend stay.”
Jo went on to say “It takes three days to put up all the decorations and dress the 12ft tree at the castle. We light the fires and hang lots of mistletoe all in preparation Christmas weddings and family gatherings. Next year we are looking to launch Twilight Weddings at the Castle where couples marry outside in the early evening overlooking the sea surrounded by candles and twinkling lights which will be incredibly romantic. “
Silver Sponsors include The Sealife Parks and Dream Cottages. The Best Dressed Christmas Window Competition will be sponsored by the Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce and there will also be FREE parking in Weymouth from 3pm in the Council run town centre car parks.
Many shops will be opening until late and holding special events such as the Chalbury Food & Wine store. Luke Mansell, Manager who said “Chalbury Food and Wine will have a representative from Lyme Bay Winery giving samples on luxury Liqueurs, meads and cream liqueurs with great offers that evening. Customers will also be able to take advantage of enjoying a Christmas cheese table giving them tastes and ideas for their own Christmas table. We will be offering our own Port and cheese selections wrapped and ready to go with a great knock down price for that night only.”
Support for the event is growing daily, Weymouth Fencing and Sheds are creating the Christmas Grotto, Fiona Penny of Sunflowers will be dressing the Grotto and Henri Lloydwill be running a competition to win £500. The Weymouth Community Volunteers will be welcoming visitors whilst keeping the crowds under control and acting as Shownight Ambassadors.
Draft Programme
3.00pm
• Christmas market and synthetic ice rink opens – timed tickets will be available at the rink – £2.00 for adults and £1.00 for children
• Carol singing, festive music and dance programme
5.00pm
• Santa arrives on his sleigh pulled by reindeer to his grotto in New Bond Street – public can pet reindeer – photo opportunities with Santa / sleigh / reindeer
6.00pm
• Mayor arrives with a parade of vintage cars and Pantomime characters on the land train and leads the countdown to switch on of lights in town centre
6.30pm
• Lighting Up Parade moves off around the harbour to join the children‚ lantern parade in Hope Square
6.30pm – 8pm New Bond Street Stage
• The sixty-strong ‚Rock Choir‚ leads the programme in New Bond Street with more music and entertainment on a second stage in St Mary Street
• Ice skating to music / snow machine etc.
• Santa receives children in grotto – queues pet reindeer
• Strolling actors in full costume greet the crowds
• Programme of in-store demonstrations and tastings, promoted through the leaflet
8pm
• Prize giving – best Victorian dressed Child / couple / best dressed window
• Final music / carol singing programme
*Programme may be subject to change
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.weymouthbid.co.uk
To interview Nigel Reed, Weymouth BID Manager please call 07557 142906
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]
