Harrogate set for Christmas switch on
Photo: Harrogate International Centre

STAR of stage, TV and screen, Hugo Speers, will switch on this year's Harrogate in Lights Christmas Extravaganza tonight - described as being the biggest and best ever.

Hugo, fresh from his latest TV smash hits Bleak House and Sorted, has generously offered to do the biggest switch on yet which is the result of a four-year campaign by Harrogate and District Soroptimists to 're-light' the historic Yorkshire Dales spa town.

Local businesses, the Borough Council and Harrogate International Centre have come together to ensure it will indeed be the best light show the town has ever seen.

The biggest support is coming from the Christmas and Gift show, one of the conference centre's major customers who for the second year running will be bringing their traditional 'indoor exhibition' out on to the streets of Harrogate for visitors and residents to enjoy.

Last year, the generosity of some of the UK's biggest Christmas lights companies led to a magical animated window display in the conference centre conservatory on Kings Road and a stunning lighting display around the conference centre buildings and including the Royal Hall.

This year, these companies have been even more generous and are providing a more complex and stunning display, which will once again include the animated windows but with the light show extended into Crescent Gardens.

...our way of creating an outdoor exhibition that everyone visiting Harrogate as a shopping destination can enjoy

Mark Brett - HITF Limited

Mark Brett, Director of the company responsible for the Christmas and Gift Fair - HITF Limited - explains why they got involved:

"This show has been coming to Harrogate for over 50 years with retailers seeking out original new products being the only ones who ever got to see it. Putting together this stunning Christmas display is our way of creating an outdoor exhibition that everyone visiting Harrogate as a shopping destination can enjoy and also extends the experience for our retailers."

The festivities begin at 6.15pm in Crescent Gardens where the crowds will be entertained by Father Christmas, carols, music and a firework display.