Weather doesn’t dampen Diss Christmas lights switch-on
27 November 2021
News, Events, Council Services
Despite strong winds and freezing rain, hundreds gathered in the centre of Diss on Saturday 27th November to celebrate the town’s annual Christmas lights switch-on.
And they were in good company. Town Mayor Eric Taylor, local celebrity Ben Langley, Diss Corn Hall panto stars Snow White and Nurse Fanny, and the big man himself, Father Christmas, all ventured out into the cold to light up the town.
“I would like to thank everyone who turned out to support this year’s Christmas lights switch-on,” said mayor, Cllr Eric Taylor. “With the high winds and extremely wet weather the conditions certainly weren’t ideal. But seeing so many people come out and enjoy the event was extremely heart-warming.
“By the time I climbed onto the vintage fire engine with Father Christmas every item of clothing I was wearing was wet through. But the sea of smiling faces as we paraded up Mere Street made it all worthwhile.
“We all missed having the annual switch-on last year. And huge thanks go out to the organising committee who have worked hard for months to make sure everything ran smoothly – despite the adverse conditions.”
Focused on delivering a special event to make up for last year’s cancellation, planning for the event began back in February.
“Last year we had no choice but to cancel the official event due to Covid,” said committee member and Diss Town Council’s Health & Safety representative, Robert Ludkin. “And I’m so pleased we were able to give the people of Diss the chance to get into the festive spirit once again this year – especially the children. Their faces as they saw Father Christmas arrive on his fire engine made it all worthwhile.”
Chair of the Christmas Lights Committee, Suzanne Kayne, added: “After the disappointment of not having the Christmas lights switch-on in 2020, the committee was determined to put on a good show this year. And looking at the happy crowds gathered in the Market Place for the big switch, I think we did that. The event was extremely well-organised with everything planned down to a tee. And it went very well - despite the heavy rain, strong winds and the possibility of snow! Thank you to all the people of Diss and beyond who braved the elements and for Upp for their support and sponsorship this year.”
Visit our website for photographs of the event or check out the photos on our Facebook page.
