Swindon’s Jahmene Douglas set to open Swindon’s Festival of Lights Switch On

By Claire Dukes - 9 October 2018

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inSwindon BID have today announced that local favourite Jahmene Douglas will kick off the free ‘Festival of Lights’ Christmas campaign, on Saturday 17 November from 5 to 6pm in Wharf Green.

Jahméne Douglas first came to the attention of the British public when he stormed through to the finals of the 2012 series of ‘X Factor’, during which he first switched on the lights in his hometown supported by mentor and X- Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger. He's since cultivated an impressive reputation for his soul and gospel-inspired vocals and as an artist has continued to grow. 

Jahméne's debut album ‘Love Never Fails’ hit number one in the UK charts and featured the legendary Stevie Wonder. His follow up album ‘Unfathomable Phantasmagoria’ continued to explore his soul and gospel inspirations and featured special guest Samuel L Jackson. Most recently Jahmene has toured with the UK soul legend Gabrielle and is now lending his voice to open the Festival of Lights in Swindon. 

Jahmene said: "I can’t wait to be back to celebrate the festive season with you all, in the best way I know how to share love – through song. See you soon."

Jahmene will be joining the light switch line up which is headlined, this year, by Tinchy Stryder, the most popular British urban artist of this generation.  The all-star line-up also includes Voice Kids Lilia Slattery and Phoebe Maddison, Swindon’s Tap Attack from Britains Got Talent, Nathaniel Parker who won Swindon’s Got Talent and our very own local Swindon Dance.

Heart Breakfast’s Ben and Mel will once again host the main event, joined by children’s host ‘Jack Frost’ who will be sure to bring festive fun and mayhem to the main stage. 

The light switch on event will culminate in a dramatic firework finale which will light up the sky above the town centre (weather permitting).

Throughout the day, visitors and families can enjoy free entertainment including our Christmas bouncing elves all the way from the North Pole and the mesmerising Glo Hula Hooping dancer, as well as the much-loved Santa’s Grotto and the new Santa’s Post Office at The Brunel Shopping Centre. 

The icing on the Christmas cake is this year’s artisan market which will be in the town centre on the Light Switch On day and on various other dates in November and December. The Anonymous Travelling Market 

is heading to Swindon town centre offering stalls including seasonal gifts and decorations, vintage goods, traditional Christmas fayre, arts and crafts and regional produce.

The town centre’s Festival of Lights will continue through to the end of December and will also feature:

  • A light trail of 3D and LED Christmas light installations, including a 4-metre-high interactive teddy bear for visitors and families to enjoy.
  • Free events every weekend in the run up to Christmas, which will include a Christmas Mariachi Band, interactive Christmas Bauble photo booth and LED Dancing Drummers.

The Festival of Lights begins on Saturday 17 November until 31 December 2018.

For full information on all activities please visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk where a full schedule of all the Christmas activities will be held. 

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