A cracker of a Christmas in the capital is set to start on Thursday November 24 with the switching on of the Christmas lights.

A scene from last year's celebrations

Lower Ridgeway Street will once again be the setting for an evening of family entertainment compèred by Manx Radio which starts at 6.15pm with seasonal music from Douglas Town Band, followed by a sneak preview at 6.25pm of The Wizard of Oz,  this year’s pantomime at the Gaiety Theatre.  Local singer Grace Lee, 11, will then sing and Letisha Ellis, also 11, will sign the Miley Cyrus number The Climb for the benefit of those with hearing difficulties, before impersonators from Isle of Characters give a performance inspired by some of the most film world’s most recognisable Christmas and ‘winter wonderland’ fantasy figures and songs.

His Worship the Mayor Councillor John Skinner JP will then join the proceedings accompanied by the Mayor’s chaplain, the Rev John Coldwell, who will offer prayers. Then at 7.00pm His Worship will switch on the Christmas lights, ‘snow’ will fall, Santa will be in his grotto on the corner of John Street, Thursday late-night shopping begins…and Christmas comes to the capital.

As in 2015, the stage will be in Lower Ridgeway Street, with spectator access provided from Prospect Hill, Victoria Street and King Street. (See plan below) A disabled viewing area directly in front of the stage can be accessed from Lord Street and strategically placed screens will show all the action live. 

A number of road closures will be in force before, during and after the event, principal among which are:

• Ridgeway Street from Lord Street to Prospect Hill from 6pm on Wednesday November 23 until 2am on Friday November 25;

• Ridgeway Street from Lord Street to North Quay from 6.30pm until 7.15pm on Thursday November 24;

• Prospect Hill from Athol Street to Ridgeway Street from 12 noon until 12 midnight on Thursday November 24.

To alleviate anticipated traffic issues Peveril Square will be open for the duration of the road closures.

This event is always well attended and for safety reasons the Council may have to restrict numbers.

There will be free parking in Douglas Borough Council’s Shaw’s Brow and Bottleneck car parks from 5 to 10pm on pre-Christmas Thursdays from November 24 and all day Saturday and Sunday until December 24. Additionally, in Chester Street car park there is ‘Free after Three’ parking Monday to Friday and a flat rate of £2 for all-day Saturday 

parking.

For more details, contact Douglas Town Hall, 696300.