For the first time in 10 years, Merton’s Christmas lights switch-on will be happening in Mitcham town centre on Fair Green by the clock tower. Residents from all over the borough will be able to join in the festivities from 3.30pm on 20 November.
Merton’s mayor Councillor Nick Draper will be switching on the lights at 4.00pm.
Merton’s youngsters and local businesses will be out in force offering seasonal joy to all. McDonalds and the King’s Arms will be providing refreshments and local toy store Smyths will be sprinkling a little Christmas magic in the form of toys and a fun play zone for five to eight year olds. Children from St Mark’s Academy, St Mark’s Primary School and Bond Primary School as well as Mitcham-based Escape Youth Group will be singing and playing their hearts out, making this a Christmas event to remember.
The Christmas lights switch-on will be the perfect occasion to showcase Merton’s brand new Christmas street lights. The council will be installing them across all five town centres in the borough – Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Colliers Wood, Mitcham and Morden.
Merton is encouraging local businesses to take advantage of the good value rates to sponsor the lights. Special signs (150 mm x 200 mm) are available for businesses to raise their profile in the high street and help drum up trade during the Christmas period. The signs will be fixed to the lamp posts for seven weeks starting from mid November and running through into January. The sponsorship costs guarantee the businesses the space for three years. Businesses interested in sponsoring the new Christmas lights can find out more by visiting http://www.merton.gov.uk/christmas-light-sponsorship
Merton Council cabinet member for finance and regeneration Councillor Diane Neil Mills said: ‘Mitcham Fair Green is the perfect place for celebrating Christmas with our brand new lights. It’s going to be a great occasion and I’m delighted that our talented school children and local businesses will all be helping us to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.’
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
1. Sponsorship rates are:
£350 + VAT per sign for three years
£1,200 + VAT for four signs for three years
2. The following businesses/organisations so far will be sponsoring this year’s Christmas lights:
Fitspace Gyms
GLL
Hallmark Healthcare
Parkside Hospital
Arthur Road businesses
Starbucks
Big Yellow Storage
AFC Wimbledon
ID Hair for Design
TWM Solicitors
All England Lawn Tennis Club
Peacock & Co. Solicitors