This year’s St Helier Christmas lights will be switched on by Santa Claus on Thursday 19th November.
The Parish of St Helier in conjunction with the Jersey Development Company are delighted that Dr Ivan Muscat has granted ‘Essential Worker’ status to Santa who will fly into the island for a special early Christmas visit on his sleigh this Thursday, 19th November.
Due to Covid-19 and the restrictions of gatherings and close contact between islanders, St Helier officials have planned a virtual ‘Christmas Light Switch On’ to be released via social media. The Parish have commissioned some expert elves to create a Christmas story bespoke for Jersey including partnering with a number of retailers in town and a showcase ‘Christmas Light Switch On’ using virtual technology.
An online video will help form a different perspective which will show Santa’s special 2020 Christmas message as he works hard to get the lights turned on and ready for everyone to enjoy. It is hoped the video will encourage islanders to shop local and help bring the start of this year’s early Christmas festivities to life, particularly for Children.
St Helier’s Constable, Simon Crowcroft said: “I am delighted that the Parish, supported by Jersey Development Company, has found a way to keep alive our much loved tradition of the ‘Christmas Light Switch On’. This is a major event in our Island calendar, enjoyed by Islanders and their families, coming together to celebrate and enjoy annual festivities in our town centre. Whilst the pandemic prevents us holding our traditional event, the launch of the ‘Virtual Christmas Light Switch On’ is a fantastic way to mark the beginning of the Fête dé Noué in these difficult times”.
The Jersey Development Company (JDC) has always generously contributed to the annual Christmas Light Switch-on event, as well as the Christmas tree displays and lighting at the Weighbridge, La Route du Port Elizabeth, Trenton Square and the Waterfront Leisure Centre. The Parish is immensely grateful for their continued support.
JDC’s Managing Director, Lee Henry said: “We’re always delighted to get involved with St Helier’s Christmas festivities. We have continued our support to the Parish with the virtual Christmas light switch-on and maintain the Christmas festivities for the community in the town centre. I hope, despite Covid, our contribution will help bring some extra Christmas cheer to residents & retailers as they make the most of what will clearly be a more challenging Christmas than normal”.
St Helier’s ‘Christmas Light Switch On’ will take place online, this Thursday 19th November and can be viewed via the St Helier Town Centre and Events Page on Facebook, via the Jersey Development Company Facebook page and also online via the Parish website here.
Picture courtesy of Srikanta.
