The excitement is building as the Southend Christmas Switch On event approaches, and today, we are thrilled to announce two additional sponsors who will be joining the festivities this year. A Better Start Southend and the Victoria Shopping Centre have partnered with headline sponsors Toys ‘n’ Tuck to make this year’s Christmas Switch On even more special.
With just over two weeks to go, the preparations for this year’s Christmas Switch On are well under way, and thanks to the support of these new sponsors, Southend City BID have been able to add even more sparkle to this year’s plans!
Magical Trail ’Spread The Cheer, Leave as a Reindeer!’
One of the exciting highlights of this year’s event is the ‘Spread The Cheer, Leave as a Reindeer’ magical trail that will take place on the big day – the 18th November between 12-4pm. The trail will guide you around the High Street and you can pick a trail map at any of the participating venues: The Royals Shopping Centre, The Ironworks, Caffe Nero, Toys ‘n’ Tuck, and then The Victoria Shopping Centre. Collect all 4 stamps and complete the task at each location before heading to the final station where you will win the chance to meet the big man himself, Father Christmas, at The Victoria– FOR FREE!
Dennis Baldry Manager of the Victoria Shopping Centre said ‘We are delighted to be a part of this nostalgic event for the City of Southend, we appreciate all the work of Southend City BID - with the joint efforts of them and all the businesses in Southend city centre we are very much looking forward to this event that marks the start of, we hope, a bustling and busy festive period.’
Live music and Special Guests
In addition to live music at various busking spots on the High Street, Southend City BID are excited to welcome Arriva, who will be bringing in the Southend City bus to the event– transforming it into an arts,crafts, and story telling bus.
The day will be filled with fantastic live music from a multitude of acts, including a 17 piece band, The Melvin Beddow Big Band. We are also thrilled to announce that the Cliffs Pavilion Pantomime stars, Peter Pan played by Morgan Jackson and Wendy played by Michelle Francis, will be joining The Mayor of Southend to switch on the lights this year.
Nia Thomas, Director of A Better Start Southend - ’At A Better Start Southend, we consider our vibrant community to be at the heart of everything we do. We wish you all peace and joy at this special time of year and look forward to making memories with ABSS families in 2024.’
Sponsorship Opportunities
Suzanne Gloyne Manager of Southend City BID says ‘We are thrilled to welcome The Victoria and A Better Start Southend as Silver sponsors, joining headline sponsors Toys ‘n’ Tuck. There is still some time for other businesses to take advantage of the huge audiences during the day – by taking advertising space on our big screen. If you are interested in this opportunity please contact the team by emailing hello@SouthendBID.com’