Chester’s glittering festivities get underway on 21st November at the spectacular Christmas Parade of Light magically turning on the festive illuminations as it passes through the city-centre streets.
The seasonal extravaganza led by the magical Queen of Light protected by the Tiger from Chester Zoo’s Lantern Magic will leave from the Abbey Gateway at the Cathedralat 6.30pm.
The procession will make its way past the new Christmas Market in the Town Hall Square via St Werburgh Street, Eastgate Street and Watergate Street to the new Winter Wonderland at Chester Racecourse.
The colourful cavalcade of characters in the Queen of Light’s procession will feature dancers, lantern helpers from local schools,Santa Claus on his sleigh with several Winter Wonderland characters , plus a specially lit Mini from Grosvenor Shopping Centre.
Dancing on Ice Champion and three-time Olympian, Beth TweddleMBE will be officially opening the Ice Rink at Winter Wonderland and will switch-on Winter Wonderland’s 24′ high Christmas Tree with the Lord Mayor of Chester.
They will be joined on stage at the Winter Wonderland by Santa Claus and several Winter Wonderland characters.
The audience can enjoy a performance by skaters from Deeside Ice Skating Group, followed by a choral performance and a taster of Theatre in the Quarter’s production of The Snow Queen to be staged at St Mary’s Centre in December.
Popular Chester-based girl band Indigo City who performed at Chester Rocks in 2012 will also be performing live at the Winter Wonderland as part of the grand finale.
There’s free admission for the Christmas Parade of Light audience to the Winter Wonderland’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the evening of 21st November.