Uppingham Braves the Weather for Christmas Late Night Shopping, Photographs and Video

Uppingham Braves the Weather for Christmas Late Night Shopping

Despite the weather, Uppingham residents and visitors alike turned out in force last night for the annual Christmas Late Night Shopping event. The town centre was bustling with activity, as people sought refuge in local hotels and pubs to escape the rain.

A highlight of the evening was the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which took place despite the downpour. The High Sheriff of Rutland, Richard Cole, and Rob Persani from Rutland and Stamford Sound joined together to officially switch on the lights, bringing festive cheer to the town. The primary school choir added to the festive atmosphere with their beautiful singing

While the Corby Silver Band found shelter in the parish church, which was transformed into a winter wonderland with charity stalls and a Santa's grotto, the Town Hall hosted a bustling Christmas Craft Market.

 

Despite the challenging weather conditions, the Uppingham community came together to celebrate the festive season and support local businesses who remained open.

Oakham Rutland Christmas Lights 2024 Photographs and Video

Oakham, Rutland, Christmas Lights 2024, Photographs and Video.

   

Oakham, Rutland's Christmas lights the town council spent less on hiring lights than in previous years. The 2023 bill for hiring lights rose to £43,000, but this year the council has managed to reduce the cost to just £32,000.

The hire charge includes the installation, testing requirements and the removal after Christmas. 

The Christmas lights were switched on on 24th November 2024. 

The council is encouraging residents and businesses to get involved in the Christmas celebrations by decorating their homes and businesses with lights. 

The Christmas lights are a great way to get into the festive spirit and to support local businesses. The council is urging everyone to come and enjoy the lights and to support the local businesses in Oakham.

Here are some photos and video of Oakham's Christmas lights:

Oakham's Christmas spirit shines through adversity, Christmas Light Switch On, Photographs and Video.

Oakham's Christmas spirit shines through adversity, Christmas Light Switch On, Photographs and Video.

Oakham's Christmas spirit shines through adversity

Despite a setback involving the Christmas tree and adverse weather conditions, Oakham's Christmas light switch-on event proceeded successfully this afternoon.

The festive cheer was momentarily dampened when it was found an attempt was made to sabotage the Christmas tree, necessitating the intervention of an electrician to repair a cut cable. Additionally, safety concerns forced the cancellation of the planned funfair.

However, the community's determination to celebrate the season prevailed. The event culminated in the lighting of the Christmas lights, a joyous moment orchestrated by Mayor Paul Ainsley, Santa Claus, and a group of enthusiastic children. The countdown to the illumination was led by Rob Persani from Rutland and Stamford Sound and Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth.

The highlight of the afternoon arrived when Santa Claus, organised by the Lions Club of Rutland, made a grand entrance into the marketplace on his sleigh. The sight of Santa Claus filled the children with immense joy, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

While the event faced unexpected challenges, the resilience and festive spirit of the Oakham community ensured a memorable Christmas light switch-on.