Elvis to kick start Christmas lights switch on in UK.

SHOPPERS will get a taste of Las Vegas glitz and glamour at the Christmas light switch-on this Sunday.

Elvis Presley aka Leigh Casling will shake things up with the Skyswood Vegas Dancers outside St Albans Town Hall before the great switch on at 5.30pm.

Sight n' Sound Roadshow will kick start the festivities at 2pm. Father Christmas will pop along in the afternoon for a sing song with Sandringham School Junior Choir, Sandringham Community Jazz Band and the St Albans Cathedral Girls Choir. Top Hat Stage & Screen School will also take centre stage to entertain the crowds.

Then from 5pm youngsters can greet the stars of the Alban Arena's panto, Cinderella - including The Ugly Sisters and Buttons, played by Tony Rudd who is returning to the Arena for his third consecutive season.

St Albans Mayor, Councillor Kate Morris, will start the countdown to the much awaited switch-on at 5.30pm. As well as a children's fairground, Market Place will also host a one-off Christmas Market, selling various gifts, stocking fillers and top quality local produce until 6pm.

Councillor Melvyn Teare, portfolio holder for culture and heritage, said: "The Christmas lights switch-on event is a great way for the people of St Albans to start the Christmas Shopping season and give our local shops a boost.

"This year, as part of our ongoing support for local retailers, we have started to address the need for new Christmas lighting in St Peter's Street. I do hope everyone will come into town to have a look."

For a list of all the city centre shops and events happening over Christmas, pop into the Tourist & Information Centre and pick up the Christmas Shopping and Events Guide 2007. For more details contact the Tourist and Information Centre on 01727 864511.


2007/11/14 By Angela Knight - www.stalbansobserver.co.uk / www.epgold.com

Well, isn't that nice ? I'll have to ask my UK friend if he knows about this.
Of course, you can bet he does. (y)