Barnsley Christmas lights switch on event a safe night for all

VISITORS to Barnsley Christmas lights switch on this Wednesday are reassured that it will be a night of great entertainment in a safe environment.
Following an incident in Birmingham at the weekend where an unprecedented number of young pop fans who turned up to the city’s switch on event caused a huge surge that left a number of people injured, Barnsley organisers ask that people attending respect the advice of the stewards and police officers at all times.
An alternative viewing area on May Day Green will ensure that everyone gets to see the exciting events happening in Cheapside, while avoiding the crowds.
Cllr Bill Newman, Cabinet Spokesperson for Development, said:  “Last year's event went off extremely well and the crowds contributed to the excellent spirit at the start of the festive season.
“We have high hopes that this year the event will be even more successful than last year's and are sure that the Barnsley crowd will behave with good humour and common sense.”
Girl group Miss Frank (X Factor) from the ITV talent show will join the Mayor and Mayoress to switch on Barnsley’s fantastic Christmas lights.
The fun-packed evening of live music and special guests will begin at 4pm from the stage in Cheapside. Opening the event will be Barnsley’s Got Talent runner-up Chelsea Radford, followed by the winner of the show, Saffron.

Helping to get the crowds warmed up before the switch-on will be Miss Demeanor, rock chick Libbi, the Poppi Chix and Britain’s Got Talent stars Stavros Flatley. The evening will be hosted by local radio station Dearne FM.
These spectacular acts will entertain the crowds until the Mayor and Mayoress and Britain’s Got Talent finalists Stavros Flatley lead the countdown to switch on the Christmas lights at 7pm. 
The fun will continue on the stage in Cheapside, with Miss Frank (X Factor) rounding off a wonderful evening’s entertainment. The finishing time of 7.30pm also means people can go shopping as Wednesday, 18 November also marks the first late-night shopping date in Barnsley.

ENDS