Georgia Bray sings as Christmas lights switch-on goes virtual in Hednesford
Christmas lights have been turned on in a Staffordshire town to help bring some festive cheer amid coronavirus.
Georgia Bray, a former contestant on ITV's The Voice from Cannock, was joined was joined by Santa Claus to mark the festive occasion.
The singer performed her rendition of Ella Fitzgerald’s Sleigh Ride as part of the live Facebook event held on Friday.
Kathryn Downs, chairwoman of Hednesford Town Council, said: "Once again volunteers from across Hednesford have come together to create an absolutely stunning display. This year, more so than ever we felt it was important to spread some festive cheer and I’m pleased to have Cannock’s own home-grown singing sensation Georgia and of course Santa Claus here with me to turn on the lights.
“We have an incredibly talented and connected community here in Hednesford, as shown by the fantastic drawings, pictures and decorations developed by the town’s primary school pupils.
"I’d like to offer a huge thank you to all of those involved and wish everyone a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year."
The annual event, which was months in the planning, was organised by volunteers across Hednesford and supported by Hednesford Town Council.
All six of the town's primary schools created homemade decorations for six white Christmas trees surrounding the main display.
Michelle Baker, Hednesford Town Council regeneration manger, added: "We know how tough 2020 has been for local businesses and traders. Whilst Covid restrictions have meant that it wasn’t possible to hold a public event this year, lighting up the town and broadcasting it live demonstrates that Christmas has not been cancelled and creates a positive focal point in our community. We are keen to encourage everyone to shop locally this Christmas to support our local businesses.
"Not only have many of our business owners reopened within just a few short days but they’ve also created beautiful window displays, making Hednesford a really festive destination."
Chiefs from Hednesford Town Council are also urging people to share their own Christmas lights switch-on by posting pictures on the Visit Hednesford Facebook page.
Residents have until December 14 to post their pictures – with three households being picked at random to receive a Christmas hamper donated by Tesco in Hednesford.
