THE festive season officially kicked off last night in Slough as mayor Nazir switched on the lights in an enchanting socially-distanced event.
During a low-key and Covid-safe ceremony, Slough town centre was lit up last night showcasing the creative lights display and Christmas light selfie trail.
The creation was inspired and designed by Clarissa Parker of the Slough town Centre BID 'to maintain a little bit of magic through trying times'.
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Clarissa said: “What we wanted to create as part of Slough BID is an area for the people in our community. So families, couples and children can come down and take pictures within a giant present, a bauble bridge, or we have two gigantic angels.
“It’s just something to bring people into the high street, away from the internet shopping and to enjoy the festivities in a town centre.”
The trail starts at the Moxi Hotel where there will be a Christmas installation erected, leading into the pedestrianised end of the town centre and ending around the entrance to the observatory shopping centre.
There is a total of six installations, which includes two angels, two light arches, a giant light up Christmas present, and a selfie wall decorated with iridescent angel wings outside the entrance to Queensway Shopping Centre.
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The creator added: “Originally one of the local celebrities was going to open a Christmas event to bring in the crowds, but it was very last minute. We didn’t want to aggravate a situation because people are on high alert with regards to Covid.
“It’s coming up to a festive period where families want to be together, and we don’t want to be in a situation where we are jeopardising that. Our priority is to keep people safe.”
Mayor Nazir, who presented the lights ceremony, added: “This year the Slough Town Centre BID is pleased to arrange the exciting Slough Town Centre Selfie Trail sponsored by HSBC, Moxy Hotel and Residence, Mleczco and Slough Central which encourages Town Centre visitors to take Selfies of themselves and their families and friends throughout the Town Centre over the Christmas Holiday Season.
“Also the Slough Town Centre BID has arranged a High Street Safari called ‘Santa Needs You’ where families have to visit 10 festive animals, learn their story, win an e-book and enter a free prize draw to win a Nintendo Switch if parents register the completed safari.”
To see the lights display for yourselves head down to Slough town centre and experience the magic and wonder of the festive selfie trail.
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