The Guildhall Shopping Centre has launched a programme of events
to get shoppers in a festive mood in the run-up to Christmas.
Starting with the Christmas Lights Switch-on (November 19th),
visitors will be treated to entertainment ranging from Dickensian
Delights - featuring Victorian games and craft workshops for
children to make their own festive cards and decorations - to
Granny Turismo, with 'grannies' racing around on souped-up shopping
trolleys.
Other activities include the Stafford Santa Dash (November 27th)
to raise money for the Katharine House Hospice; three appearances
from singing nun Musical Ruth (December 3rd); and the check-out
girls "Price Check" (December 10th) who will be taking a comical
look at the shopping side of life.
Guildhall Marketing Manager Anne Graham said: "This year's
Christmas Lights Switch-on will be one of our most spectacular
ever, starting with a huge parade featuring 10 carnival floats, two
fantastical albino peacocks with their handler Major Apus and, of
course, Santa with his real reindeer.
"We will then have singing, dancing, competitions and
demonstrations on our 40ft stage in Market Square, before the
Christmas Lights are switched on at 5pm, accompanied by a
spectacular fireworks display.
"It kicks off another packed festive programme at the Guildhall,
which has something for everyone."
Richard Ralph, a Senior Surveyor at DTZ, Managing Agents for the
centre, said: "In these gloomy economic times, it is great that
Stafford still manages to have a terrific programme of events in
the run-up to Christmas.
"The Guildhall Shopping Centre work in partnership with Stafford
Borough Council and other businesses in the town centre to ensure
the town remains vibrant and an enjoyable place to shop and do
business."
The Guildhall Shopping Centre was opened in June 1991 by HRH
Princess Anne, and has since attracted over 30million visitors and
created more than 1500 jobs. Current tenants include JJB Sports,
HMV and Carphone Warehouse.