Derbyshire town finds new ways to light up the gloom in Christmas countdown

Alfreton residents normally enjoy one of the most popular Christmas lights switch-ons in the county – with people gathering from across the area to see the town lit up.

While many towns have chosen to cancel their switch-ons completely this year, Alfreton Town Council was determined to organise a virtual event in a bid to bring the whole community together remotely.

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Hannah Jowett-Frost, lead of the council’s events committee, said the team was determined to ‘entertain our town as much as possible this Christmas’.

Alfreton’s schools, churches and community groups have got involved, as well as Moo Music, The Rotary Club of Alfreton, Alfreton Male Voice Choir, Joker Entertainments, ATFC and of course Santa himself.

Tina Crookes, joint town clerk, said: “We normally hold a very popular lights switch on, as this was not possible this year we thought we would set ourselves a challenge and do it virtually with an advent of activities, entertainment and competitions throughout December.”

All the groups have recorded messages which will be released nightly from December 1 to Christmas Eve.

Hannah said: “We even have Santa, played by John Gilhooly who has worked with McCarthur Glen and Derby Intu shopping centres, Mary Christmas, played by renowned actress Marlene Sidaway and the Silly Elves from Elf Antics.

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"We have lots of competitions with fab prizes and interactive craft sessions.”

Santa has also left 24 characters hidden across town for a scavenger hunt, with those taking part asked to take a selfie with each of the items before emailing them to the town council. Prizes will include a family pottery session for four, meals and hampers.

There will be ‘wear a hat days’ and Christmas Jumper Day will be marked in style on Friday, December 11.

The organisers are also encouraging Alfreton residents to take a photo of their families on their doorsteps and submit them for inclusion in a special keepsake album.

For more information visit the Alfreton Town Council website. Email scavenger hunt photos to [email protected].

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.