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THE SWITCH-ON

Read on for the outlined itinerary for the switch on and any frequently asked questions

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The warm-up from 16:30

From 16:30, the roads are closed, and we will invite people to congregate on the streets to enjoy some mulled wine, mince pies and listen to the music building up to the switch on. Please support the Christmas light stall outside the Bridal shop as profits go into supporting the lights.

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We always suggest wrapping up warmly and hope you can bring some Christmas cheer, your best carol voice and maybe a little donation to continue this fantastic event and the enjoyment of the lights for years to come.

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The itinerary

  • 16:30 - Road Closes. 

  • 16:45-  The Alcester band arrive and Father Christmas will be in the crowd handing out sweets

  • 17:00 - We will commence with the Chairman's introduction and Christmas carols and hope everyone can join in for the carols.

  • 17:20 - The Children are invited onto the stage - the winners from each school.  Father Christmas will be mingling in the crowd, joining the stage and presenting the kids with their winnings.

  • 17:29 - The countdown commences

  • 17:30 - Hey presto the Switch is on!!!

  • 17:30 - Henley Bell Ringers ring the church bells

  • 17:55 - we would encourage everyone to move on to the other venues in Henley that are offering some great drink & food offers.

  • 18:00 - The road opens

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The after party...

We will be closing the street party at around 18:00 when the high street will reopen.

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  • What time does the switch-on start?
    The switch-on starts at 16:30 when the street closes. The rough agenda is as follows: 16:30 - Road closes 16:45- The Alcester band arrive and Father Christmas will be in the crowd handing out sweets 17:00 - We will commence with the Chairman's introduction and Christmas carols and hope everyone can join in for the carols. 17:20 - The Children are invited onto the stage - the winners from each school. Father Christmas will be mingling in the crowd, joining the stage and presenting the kids with their winnings. 17:29 - The countdown commences 17:30 - Hey presto the Switch is on!!! 17:30 - Henley Bell Rings ring the church bells 17:55 - we would encourage everyone to move on to the other venues in Henley that are offering some great drink & food offers. 18:00 - The road opens
  • Will there be refreshments?
    Yes, look out for the Christmas Lights stall where we will be serving mulled wine, Irish Cream hot chocolate and stew in a box. This will be located outside the Bridal shop. All profits made will help fund the cost of the lights.
  • Will there be carol singing?
    Yes, we will be singing several carols.
  • How can I donate?
    Please visit our donation page for different ways to donate. The link is here.
  • Are the lights eco-friendly?
    As you know at present we are in the process of updating the lights on our High Street, which time comprises 220-240v AC 50Hz 2.0w SMD LED Lamps. Our objective is to replace this with 0.6w units which are fully IP68 rated. (Notated as shown on the EAC, Christmas Lights Calculator) The daily burn hours will be 8.00am to 9.00am (1.0 Hours) The daily burn hours will be 5.30pm to 11.00pm (5.5 Hours) The Total Daily Burn Hours will be: 6.5 Hours The Period of Operation will be: 30th November 2024 to 06th January 2025 a total of: 38 Days It is anticipated that we should have in place for the switch on: 2234 - 24VDC 0.6w units Our electrical consumption has reduced to 1.3404 KW However we have increased our Daily Burn Rate to 6.5 Hours The daily KWh will be: 1.3404 KW x 6.5 Hours = 8.7126 KWh The total KWh will be: 8.7126 KWh x 38 Days = 331.0788 KWh .
  • Who pays for the lights?
    The social committee pays for and manages the light's maintenance and installation. We need to raise approximately £12,000 per annum to continue with the lights for years to come.
  • How do I volunteer?
    We are looking for businesses, schools or individuals to help with this social cause and spread the Christmas cheer. If you would like to contribute, please visit our volunteering page for ideas or ways to get involved.
  • What is the 100 club, and how do I subscribe?
    The 100 Club is a great way to support our fundraising efforts. We run a monthly prize draw which gives the winner £40 and runner-up £20. We draw this every month at different venues in Henley and we will announce winners by email, post or social media. All funds from the 100 Club goes to the upkeep of the lights. For more information, please click here.
  • How can I get in touch with someone who could help answer my questions?
    Please contact: Brian Westmacott, Chairman: brian@westmacotts.co.uk. Sue Westmacott, Secretary: sue@westmacotts.co.uk Alistair Norman - Website or volunteering enquirie Kithowe2@gmail.com - 100 Club enquiries
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