One of the Biggest Christmas Packages in the UK
City council announces Christmas events programme
The City Council is presenting the people of Birmingham with one of the biggest
packages of family-friendly Christmas events in the UK. The extensive programme of
events is being organised and substantially funded by the council with the support of
commercial sponsors.
Says Councillor Ray Hassall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture,
"For me Christmas is all about little children and the look on their faces when they
experience something magical for the first time. The council is giving the children of
Birmingham a very special Christmas this year and one they’ll remember for years to
come."
He continues, The traditional activities at the councils museums will complement our
exciting programme of outdoor events and attractions, especially the nativity art trail at
the Museum and Art Gallery which will help us to remember what Christmas is really
about."
The council will be serving up a free concert to celebrate switching on the Christmas
lights, a city centre grotto where thousands of children will visit Father Christmas, the
traditional Frankfurt Christmas market, plus crafts and farmers markets, a canal boat
light parade, a pantomime horse race and an outdoor ice rink. New for this year will be
the illumination of the splendid Victorian interior of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
together with carols around a beautifully decorated tree and a nativity art trail around the
galleries. This year sees the return of the popular Aston Hall by Candlelight and there
are also special events taking place at Blakesley Hall and Soho House museums and
the Nature Centre.
Birmingham’s spectacular Christmas programme starts on Saturday 11 November with
The Pallasades Christmas Lights Switch On which will include a fantastic free
concert at Millennium Point to celebrate the city centre’s Christmas lights being
switched on.
Father Christmas will be "coming to town" on 2nd December and staying until Christmas
Eve. Children can visit him at the bmi Baby Santas Christmas Grotto at Bullring
which will be surrounded by hundreds of Christmas trees festooned with twinkling lights.
An all-improved T-Mobile Street Ice outdoor rink returns to Centenary Square on 18
November and runs until early January.
The popular Frankfurt Christmas Market will return to Victoria Square (16 November
23 December) with German traders selling jewellery handmade toys, candles,
glasswork, traditional Christmas decorations hot food and drink and there will be a
Birmingham craft fair showcasing locally-produced goods in Chamberlain Square and
weekly farmer’s markets in upper new street during December.
Special events include the Thomas Vale Pantomime Grand National on 3 December
on a new course around Victoria Square and the Broad Street Canal Boat Light
Parade on 10 December will see a flotilla of illuminated canal boats make their way
along Birminghams canals from the National Indoor Arena to the Mailbox.
Aston Hall by Candlelight (2 9 December), will recreate the spirit of a 17 Century
Christmas as one of the countries finest Jacobean houses is transformed with hundreds
of candles, live performances of period music, actors and sword fighters as well as a
craft fair and traditional refreshments. The Museum and Art Gallery will be hosting a
Victorian Christmas weekend (16-17 December) and there will be a Tudor Christmas
at Blakesley Hall (15 December) and a Georgian Christmas at Soho House (17
December).
Father Christmas will also be putting in an appearance at the Nature Centre during
weekends in December and there will be seasonal events in parks across the city.
For New Years Eve revellers who happen to be in the city centre at midnight on 31
December there will be a canopy of fireworks overhead to welcome in 2007.
More information is available by calling 0121 202 5066 or by visiting
www.birmingham.gov.uk, specific details about Christmas events and activities will be
released in the coming weeks.
Ends
Media Contact - Jason Lewis 0121 303 4266
Notes to Editors
The Pallasades Christmas Lights Switch On
Sat 11 November - 3.307.45pm (Switch on at 7.30pm)
Millennium Point - Free
Concert and fireworks with a major celebrity switching on Birminghams Christmas
lights.
Diwali
Sun 12 November 37pm - Millennium Point - Free
Live Indian music and cultural dance, food and childrens rides to celebrate the festival
of lights.
Frankfurt Christmas Market
16 November 23 December - Victoria Square Free
Sample the atmosphere of an authentic German Market. Childrens ride, great food &
drink and unique gifts.
T-Mobile Street Ice
25 November 14 January 2007 - Centenary Square
The ultimate ice-skating extravaganza for people of all ages.
Christmas Craft Market
1 24 December - Chamberlain Square Free
This seasonal fair showcases goods from many regional producers including jewellery,
handmade soaps, cnadles, glassware and ceramics.
Broad Street Canal Boat Light Parade
Sun 10 December - NIA to Mailbox - Free
Illuminated canal boats with beautiful decorations make their way along the canal.
Please arrive early.
bmi baby Santas Christmas Grotto at Bullring
2 24 December - St Martins Square
Visit Santa in his winter wonderland to receive a special gift.
TheThomas Vale Pantomime Horse Grand National
Sun 3 December - Victoria Square Free to watch
Silly antics with obstacle courses and water jumps.
Aston Hall by Candlelight
2 9 December
£9 adults, £7 conc, £30 family (2 adults, 3 children).
Experience the seasonal activities of a 17th century household when Aston Hall is lit by
800 shimmering candles.
Tel 0121 303 1966, www.bmag.org.uk
Father Christmas at Birmingham Nature Centre
2-3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17 December
Admission: £1.80 adults, children free + £3 per child.
Visit Father Christmas to receive a present, see the Nativity and a chance
to feed some of our animals. Booking essential from 1 November by calling 0121 464
8728.
Christmas Workshop
Sat 9 December - Sutton Park
Join the rangers for Christmas activities and then follow the trail to Santas Grotto at the
Donkey Sanctuary. Free booking essential 0121 355 6370
Christmas Past
Fri 15 December - Blakesley Hall
£4 adults, £2 conc.
Enjoy carols, seasonal music from Tudor musicians, and meet the housekeeper. Tea
Room on site. Tel 0121 464 2193
Victorian Christmas Weekend
16 17 December - Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Come and meet Queen Victoria and her Lady in Waiting accompanied by carol
singers, musicians and a nativity trail around the galleries. Also enjoy seasonal food
from the Edwardian Tea Room, or shop for that extra special gift. Free
Georgian Family Christmas
Sun 17 December - Soho House Museum
£4 adults, £2 conc.
Meet the butler and the housekeeper as they make preparations for Christmas Dinner,
with festive music, childrens craft activities. Tea Room. Tel 0121 554 9122
Search for Santa
Sun 17 December - Lickey Hills Country Park
Each year, Santa stops off at the Lickey Hills. Follow Santas trail through the woods to
find his grotto and presents. Book from 1 Nov. This event is very popular places are
limited.
New Years Eve
Sun 31 December - City Centre - Free
If you happen to be in Birmingham at midnight, see the sky light up with a canopy of
fireworks.
Events subject to change. Details correct at time of going to print. Please check
before making a special journey.
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