Get ready to step into Christmas as Rugby counts down to the lights switch-on

Christmas gifts have been appearing in the shops for a while but we now know the date when the lights will be switched on in the town centre – Sunday, November 20.

The big event will take place between noon and 6pm, with organisers Rugby First expecting some 8,000 people to head into town.

Activities will take place in North Street, Church Street, Market Place, Regent Street, Henry Street, Albert Street, Bank Street and other areas.

In addition to the switching on of the lights and a full programme of live music and dance, there will be a funfair, children’s entertainment, Santa’s Grotto, street food, stalls, plus a firework display to bring things to a close.

Rugby First Operations Director, Jo Kemp, said: “The Christmas Light Switch-On is the biggest annual event in Rugby town centre. Thousands of people come into the town to enjoy it and provide a much-welcomed boost to the town centre economy, through shopping, eating and drinking – a great way to support the local business community.”

She added: “The town centre is a great place to pick up your Christmas gifts, with a fantastic choice of national and independent stores offering a wide variety of interesting and unique gifts for friends and family. We also have some great food and drink offers from the many cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the town centre.”

The switch-on has produced some epic moments and great crowds over the years and further updates of this year’s big day will be released on the Rugby First website in the weeks ahead.