Member Article

Albrighton gets ready for 5th Christmas Extravaganza

The festive season is coming early after traders announced they are putting the finishing touches to Albrighton’s largest ever Christmas Extravaganza.

Local people will have the chance to enjoy live entertainment, yuletide food and drink and a host of special offers - all designed to get them into the holiday spirit and boost independent trade.

Streets in the village will be transformed into a wonderland of Christmas activity on November 26th (6pm to 8.30pm), with more than 50 retailers and community organisations joining forces to put on a range of treats for children and adults alike.

Some of the attractions confirmed so far include:

• Cosford Military Wives Choir, the Cosford RAF Voluntary Band and Village Vocals
• German Market at Hannah Darby
• Henri’s Fashion Show
• Hog Roast at Next Door Bar
• Santa’s Grotto at Blakeways Unique Gifts
• The Shrewsbury Arms Beer Bus

In addition, the Albrighton Trust Moat and Gardens will be selling Reindeers in the village, which have been handcrafted by a team of disabled young people working around the clock to get them ready for the big day.

“This is the fifth year we’ve been putting on the Christmas Extravaganza and we really want to put Albrighton on the festive map to celebrate this milestone,” explained Andy Evans, Chairman of the Albrighton Traders Association and owner of Shop 4 Ducks.

“For 2 hours and 30 minutes, we will transform the village into a Christmas wonderland, giving visitors the chance to start their shopping early, enjoy well-known carols and indulge in homemade mince pies, turkey sandwiches and eggnog.

“It’s all about giving people a great experience and showcasing what the village has to offer. There’s pretty much everything you need sold here and saves you going into the big towns…our growing list of independents will also give you the chance to buy things you simply can’t get on the High Street.”

Christmas Extravaganza trail leaflets are making a return to this year’s event, with visitors encouraged to use them to discover all the hidden gems Albrighton has to offer.

These will be available from every trader on the evening and need to be used to access a competition to win vouchers that can be spent at any business that is a member of the Albrighton Traders Association.

Vicky Hyde, Owner of Balance Health & Beauty Centre, concluded: “It’s usually a fun-filled festive evening that draws in crowds from nearby villages and towns… I have no doubt that this year has the potential to be the biggest and best yet.

“We’ve even got Midlands rock band The Dirty Rockin Scoundrels playing live from the roof of Gibson’s Cars, entertaining crowds with Rock n Roll classics including C’mon Everybody, Tutti Frutti and Twist ‘n’ Shout.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .