Volunteers from across Stoke-on-Trent are to be given a chance to help make this winter’s Christmas lights switch-on event among the most colourful ever.
A host of technicolour LED-lit umbrellas will add a new twist to the traditional parade as Christmas kicks-off in City Centre Hanley on Thursday, November 19.
This year’s lights switch-on will feature all the traditional elements of Christmas and more.
Appetite has worked with organisers, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and is bringing back the highly acclaimed Cirque Bijou company to the city to perform a “Christmas love story in the sky.”
High above Albion Square, on a single wire, a pair of wire walkers will play-out a heart-warming love story.
The show will involve colourful pyrotechnics and a community choir of city residents – first featured in the Big Feast 2015 – and the bright array of LED umbrellas.
Around 30 people are needed to perform with the LED umbrellas. To get involved, people should attend a rehearsal on Wednesday, November 18 (5.30-8pm) at Hanley Town Hall and be available for the switch-on event on the following day, arriving at the town hall at 5.30pm.
“Christmas 2015 in City Centre Stoke-on-Trent is set to get off to a spectacular start,” said Appetite Director Karl Greenwood.
“The City Council is planning a traditional Christmas parade for all the family to enjoy and this will be complimented by a thrilling high wire show and pyrotechnics from Cirque Bijou.
“The LED umbrellas will bring a kaleidoscope of colour to the event and a chance for local residents to join professional performers in the show.”
To get involved, please contact Kat Boon by telephoning Appetite on 01782 381373 or by emailing [email protected].
ENDS
For media enquiries contact Nigel Howle on 0776204346, email [email protected]

Notes to Editors:
Appetite is part of the Creative People and Places programme, initiated and funded by Arts Council England. Creative People and Places is about more people taking the lead in choosing, creating and taking part in art experiences in the places where they live. There are 21 independent projects, each located in an area where people have traditionally had fewer opportunities to get involved with the arts.
www.creativepeopleplaces.org.uk
The Appetite programme is supported by funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England and is led by the New Vic Theatre in partnership with B Arts, Brighter Futures, Partners in Creative Learning and Staffordshire University. It is supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
For further information on Appetite contact Karl Greenwood, Project Director. Telephone 01782 381373 (ext. 310) or email [email protected]
Visit the Appetite website at www.appetitestoke.co.uk​