Dunmow gears up for Christmas light switch on

SHOPS in the town are gearing up for Dunmow’s second annual Christmas Light Switch On tomorrow (Friday).

Organised by the Dunmow and District Chamber of Commerce, a few changes have been made to make the whole night more enjoyable for shoppers and shopowners alike.

Chairman of the chamber and David Lipson Photography owner, Mike Perry, said: “Last year when well but as it was the first one people didn’t know what to do and where to go and the late night shopping didn’t really happen.

“The abnormally cold weather didn’t help either.

“We want people to keep business in the town but first and foremost this is a community event at Christmas.”

Instead of having the stage in the town square, the chamber made the decision to move it to Market Place.

Owner of the Arts Centre Jacky Rom said that, although last year was a success, this year will be even better.

“Last year we had a lot of people in the town square which we were pleased to see as it was the first time we had done anything like that. For this year we have listened to the shopowners and the public and made a few changes,” she said.

“Moving to Market Place will benefit the shops as it will keep the event in the town so with all of the shops open everyone can do their Christmas shopping in Dunmow.”

The evening kicks off at 6pm with the return of the Motown Sisters who impressed audiences last year followed by The Arts Theatre Company performing a scene from Dick Whittington, Great Easton School children singing carols and the Dunmow Singers, before town mayor Ron Clover turns on the lights.

Food and entertainment will keep the Christmas spirit going throughout the evening with the shops open until late.