Dewsbury Christmas Lights Switch On
At beginning of November 2017, it became apparent that Dewsbury might not have a Christmas Lights Switch On Event. Local Councillors understood the importance to trade and the people of the town, but there was no funding to put something on. Three weeks before the switch was due to be pressed, a small pot of funding was found and Jax agreed to Project Manage the event with just two weeks to go.
Simple but beautiful had to be the key, and a LOT of local people, businesses and creative artists demonstrated their dedication to Dewsbury by giving their time, expertise and effort at a far lower rate than normal.
On a cold, late November evening, around 150 people gathered to enjoy traditional Christmas Carols from the Yorkshire Imps Brass Band, Lan-Turns loned from HeckmondLIGHT, and award winning Blackpool Donkey rides. The event was compered by the Lady of Winter, and statuesque Angels and a Lost Swan (think 12 Days of Christmas) provided street theatre. Deputy Mayor of Kirklees, Gwen Lowe, switched the lights on followed by a festive rendition of Oh Christmas Tree. A two minute film was also commissioned to document the event for posterity.
Whilst this was a mammoth task to pull off, it brought together a team of amazing people with whom Jax hopes to work with on other events.
Since April 2018, Jax has supported Creative Scene on a voluntary basis in their efforts to create a Festive Togethering on 1 December. This event will build on the work of those who participated in the 2017 Christmas Lights Switch On, and Creative Scene’s Make It Happen School which brought the Togethering to Dewsbury’s Old Market Place in October 2017.