28th November 2024
It’s time to dust off the Christmas jumpers and join us for an unforgettable evening of community spirit, festive cheer, and the enchanting glow of Thame’s Christmas lights.
Hundreds of people are expected to converge on the town centre tomorrow night (Friday 29 Nov) for the annual Christmas Lights Switch On event, sponsored by Lightfoots Solicitors.
Activities will commence at 4pm, with festive stall holders offering an array of goodies. There will be free rides for children from 5pm, a Helter Skelter and chair ride generously sponsored by Thame Cars, while the main entertainment will kick off at 6pm, hosted by Rev. Paddy Harris (from Cornerstone Thame) and Pastor Anthony Taylor (from Grace Church).
The Thame Concert Band will fill the air with Christmas tunes throughout the night. There will also be performances from the Thame Players, and local singer Philippa Mummery, who will lead the sing-a-long with a couple of Christmas favourites.
Thanks to Thame & District Round Table, Santa and his elves will also be roaming through the crowd, so make sure you say hello.
Doing the Honours
This year, event organisers wanted to shine the spotlight on a local hero, and we are honoured that Chris Hurdman accepted our invitation to switch on the lights.
Chris, a beloved market trader in Thame, was awarded the Community Award at the English Veterans Awards in October. A former member of the Royal Engineers, Chris has been a cornerstone of Thame’s Tuesday Charter Market for over 30 years and has organised Thame Market’s Community Day for the past 25 years. He has also climbed mountains, literally, raising thousands of pounds in the process for Helen & Douglas House and RE-ACT Disaster Response.
Chris will switch on the lights at 6.30pm, illuminating our 29-foot Nordmann fir tree, adorned with thousands of tiny lights, kindly donated by ASM Auto Recycling.
Road Closures
The Thame High Street/Cornmarket (from Bell Lane to North Street), Buttermarket, and High Street Carpark will be closed to traffic from midday until 8pm on Friday (29 Nov) in preparation for the Christmas Lights Switch On.
Event Timeline
4.00pm – Stalls open
5.00pm – Free rides (Helter Skelter & Chair Ride) open
5.45pm – Santa and his elves drop by
6.00pm – Entertainment begins on stage with the Thame Concert Band, Thame Players, and Philippa Mummery performing.
6.30pm – Christmas lights switch on
7.00pm – Event concludes
Additional Activities
Several local businesses along the High Street will stay open until 7pm to join in the festivities.
From 5.30pm, Lightfoots Solicitors ‘Lightfoots elves’ will have festive treats, crafts, a children’s lucky dip, and gift tombola, with proceeds going to Sands, their charity of the year. While Specsavers Thame will also be providing festive cheer.
Selfie Station
Don’t forget to visit the new, colourful selfie station outside the Town Hall, provided by Your Dentist in Thame. On display from the Switch-On and throughout December, you can share your festive selfies on the Christmas in Thame Facebook page for the chance to win a prize!
Food Stalls
Christmas party goers will be able to indulge in a variety of foods from around the world:
- Bokkie (South African)
- Gyro World (Greek)
- Jerk Box (Caribbean)
- Manomi Eat (Vietnamese)
- Total Cow (Burgers)
- Oh So Dough (Donuts)
- JW Events (Popcorn, Candy Floss, Sweets)
- Caked in Bread: Traditional and flavoured breads, savouries, and Christmas products (located next to the Hot Chocolate stall).
Drink Stalls
- Rotary Club of Thame: Mulled wine stations near the Town Hall.
- MYCASO Bar: Soft drinks, beer, wine, mulled cider, and other festive drinks near the food stalls.
- Hot Chocolate Stall: Located to the left of the stage, offering delicious hot chocolate with toppings.
- Gift & Community Stalls
- Oxfordshire Freemasons – Teddies for Loving Care: Raising funds for teddies for A&E Departments.
- Thame & District Twinning Association: Serving crepes with lemon and chocolate spread.
- The Hovernauts: Decorative light-up bottles, scarves, keyrings, and handcrafted items.
- Engraves By Destiny: Laser-engraved gifts on slate, wood, acrylic, and glass.
- Knit & Purl: Handmade knitted accessories.
- Thame Church: Christmas service flyers and chocolates.
- LCA Pet Supplies: Christmas gifts for pets.
- Friends ‘n’ Trends: Jewellery and gifts for kids.
- Lea Park Residents’ Association: Learn about their community work.
- The Cheese Nook: British cheeses shaped like Christmas trees, snowmen, and more.
- 21st Century Thame: Learn about the work of Thame Trees.
