Thousands gather for Christmas lights switch on extravaganza at Sheffield’s Fox Valley shopping centre
21 November 2023
More than 10, 000 visitors packed into Fox Valley shopping centre on Friday to marvel at the spectacular switching on of the Christmas lights as part of an action-packed day of live music, dance and markets.
People from the Stocksbridge
community and further afield gathered at the popular shopping centre to see
stunning performances from locally-based Branching Out Dancing Class, followed
by a set from popular Sheffield vocalist and musician Graham Lindley.
Following the entertainment,
Laura and Becky of The Laura and Becky Show, led the excited crowds in a
countdown before the festive lights were switched on at 6pm by councillor Mark
Whittaker, the Mayor of Stocksbridge, alongsideColin and Susan Ross, the Lord Mayor and Lady
Mayoress of Sheffield.
Under the night sky
and surrounded by the illuminations, the Spark Drummers then took centre stage
to provide the grand finale in closing the event with an extraordinary performance which combined
high-impact drumming, dynamic choreography and beautiful lighting designs.
Claire Biltcliffe,
centre manager, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people gather to see the
Christmas lights illuminate the centre and bring a bit of festive cheer into
our lives.
“Our shops stayed open
later and were filled with shoppers taking advantage of our money-saving
offers.
“The market and street
food area was also jam-packed with people enjoying a drink, a bite to eat and
picking up some culinary inspiration ahead of Christmas.
“I also want to say a
huge thank you to all of our live performers who really did wow the crowds. And
a big thank you as well to our event sponsors, Live & Learn Consultancy.”
Earlier in the day, visitors
made the most of a festive market with local traders selling all different
kinds of baked goodies, sweets, handmade Christmas gifts and trinkets.
Complementing the market, a
street food area also proved popular with visitors including hog roast, crepes,
snow cones, Greek Gyros and a BBQ unit.
There was also a bar at the
centre for visitors to enjoy a mulled wine with the entertainment as well as
traditional fairground attractions that children enjoyed.
Shoppers also got the chance to
take advantage of the Black Friday Warm Up Weekend at Sandersons Boutique
Store, while many other shops including top brands such as Mountain Warehouse
and Go Outdoors, also stayed open late. Black Friday sales will continue at the
shopping centre this week.
And the festive fun is set to continue at Fox Valley with
many more events planned in the lead up to Christmas.
A festive market will be held on Saturday, December 2, and
Sunday, December 3, between 10am and 3pm.
For more information about events taking place at Fox Valley
shopping centre please visit www.foxvalleysheffield.co.uk
ENDS
Pictures show the community gathering to witness the stunning lights switch on and live performances at Fox Valley shopping centre.
For further information, contact:
Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: admin@dransfield.co.uk