X Factor winner to switch on Aylesbury’s Christmas lights

X Factor winner and pantomime star Sam Bailey will switch on Aylesbury’s Christmas lights later this month.
The Christmas lights in Aylesbury town centreThe Christmas lights in Aylesbury town centre
The Christmas lights in Aylesbury town centre

Sam is leading the cast of Dick Whittington, this year’s pantomime at the Waterside Theatre, which opens next month.

She won X Factor in 2013, with her debut single ‘Skyscraper’ reaching the coveted Christmas number one spot at the top of the UK charts.

The switch-on event, hosted by Mix 96, takes place on Thursday November 19 between 5.30pm and 7.30pm in Market Square along with a funfair in Kingsbury.

Sam BaileySam Bailey
Sam Bailey

The lights will be switched on at 7pm and will be followed by a fireworks display.

Sam will be joined by panto regular and comedian Andy Collins who plays Idle Jack in this year’s show at the switch-on.

There will also be entertainment on the night provided by winners of the Bucks Got Talent competition and live music from cover band The Zefrones, based in Bucks.

Aylesbury is one of a number of light switch-ons that Sam will be attending this year.

She is set to turn lights on in Banbury in Oxfordshire, Cwmbran in Wales and Southport and is scheduled to perform at switch-on events in Leeds and Plymouth.

Last month, the singer was also due to switch on the Christmas lights in Rhyl in Wales but didn’t attend as she was feeling unwell.

Aylesbury Town Centre manager Diana Fawcett said: “There are a wide range of Christmas activities in Aylesbury town across November and December, both for families and for shoppers.

“The Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership is delighted to be hosting this phenomenally popular event.”

Shoppers will be able to park for free after 4.30pm on Thursdays in Aylesbury Vale District Council’s town centre car parks in Aylesbury between November 19 and December 24.

For more details about events on over the festive period, including Santa’s Parade on Sunday, November 29, visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/events.

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