Kettering ready to light up for Christmas

The full details of Kettering's Christmas Lights Switch On event have now been released.

The town lights will be switched on by local heroes Dave Bull, who works at KSN Clothing, and James Garside who set up The Kettering Brotherhood mental health support group and Love Kettering.

They were put forward for the honour in the Hunt for a Hero appeal and chosen by the Mayor after hundreds of local people nominated them for the honour.

The switch on will also feature a performance by Darcey Burnham, winner of The Seb Factor, a competition set up in memory of Sebastian Nunney, who turned the lights on Kettering in 2023.

Cllr Ben Jameson, Mayor of Kettering, said: "Since becoming Mayor nearly six months ago, I've been constantly inspired by the strength of Kettering's community - from those who care for others in need, to those who make people from all backgrounds feel welcome in our diverse town, and those who empower others to make a difference. Choosing just one person was incredibly difficult because there are so many deserving candidates - a real testament to Kettering as a town full of people who give back.

"I've selected James Garside and Dave Bull. James, for his work bringing people together through Love Kettering and supporting individuals through The Kettering Brotherhood, a weekly men's meeting group. And Dave, for showing exactly what makes Kettering's High Street special through his work at KSN - that joy of human interaction you can't get out of town or online, and which he passes on to everyone he meets, inspiring others to do the same.

"Both are worthy winners, and I can't wait to share the stage with them on Thursday 27 November."

Dave Bull said: "I'm really excited to be chosen to switch the Christmas lights on - I've often gone to see them be switched on and never expected to be asked to do it. I worked in Kettering for many years at Fuller cafe and for the last few years at KSN and I absolutely love meeting people and putting smiles on people's faces. I'm super excited to press the button and hope it makes everyone smile."

James Garside said: "I'm honoured to have been nominated to switch on the Christmas lights this year. Kettering has an incredible number of community heroes, groups and projects across our town and, through my work with Love Kettering, I feel lucky to get to see them in action every day. Often they go under the radar because they are so focused on making our town a better place to live, but it gives me hope that, despite all the uncertainty in the world, we still have so many people coming together to rebuild a community we can be proud of.

"It only needs a little effort from each of us to make a big difference for everyone. If you've got a project or idea to improve our town and need help with promotion, finding support or collaborators, please drop Love Kettering a message on socials and we'll help you get the word out."

Latimer School student Darcey Burnham, 12, was crowned winner of The Seb Factor at the competition in the Lighthouse Theatre for her rendition of Popular from the musical Wicked.

The switch on will also feature live music from No Angels band, performances from the ISM Music Academy Show Choir, performers from the Lighthouse Theatre pantomime, St Peter's School Choir, Wicky Bear, Santa plus the ultimate disco from DJ and compere Bill Burton.

More than 30 stallholders are confirmed for the evening, which will showcase local businesses and traders with hot street food, mobile bars and artisan craft stalls.

Roaming street entertainment will be on offer as well as a light-up table football tournament, traditional brass music from Kettering Town Silver Band and the Lions' light-up selfie sleigh.

The switch on is planned for Thursday 27 November, with the event starting at 4pm in the town's Market Square and along Sheep Street. The surrounding roads will be closed from 12pm on the day to prepare for the event.

A giant 30ft tree from local supplier Welford Christmas Tree farm will be installed in the Market Place, while the Christmas lights will be going up across the town centre over the next few days.

As well as the switch on, Kettering Town Council is organising a range of Christmas events. A Christmas Market will be held in the Market Place on Saturday 6 December and will feature a mix of street food and drink, local produce, artisan gifts as well as live music and entertainment and appearances from Santa.

Children can also have the chance to Meet Santa at the Elf Station, Newlands Centre, weekends from Saturday 29 November.

Later in December, the Mayor of Kettering's Christmas Tree Festival returns to St Andrew's Church, with the grand opening on Saturday 13 December.

In the week before Christmas the Town Carol Service will be held at St Peter and St Paul's Church, Thursday 18 December, with a series of readings, carols and festive music.