Get in festive spirit as lights go on

IPSWICH is getting into the festive spirit today.

Tomorrow evening the town's Christmas lights will be switched on, bringing a bright holiday glow to the centre of Ipswich.

The lights will be switched on by former X Factor finalist Adam Chandler. Also providing the entertainment at the event, which starts at 5pm, will be the cast of the New Wolsey Theatre's Rock n Roll pantomime, Cinderella, who will be performing songs from the show live on stage.

The line-up also includes the ITFC cheerleaders, the Martlesham Brass Band and the Co-Op Juniors.

And on Thursday The Evening Star's special Christmas tree which is this year in Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre will have its lights switched on at 6pm on the first night of late night shopping in the town.

The Star's tree, named Goliath because of its impressive size, will be decorated with Christmas baubles, tinsel and other trinkets - there will also be a video screen telling shoppers all about The Evening Star's Christmas campaign, A Star is Born.

It has been decided to have the tree in Tower Ramparts this year so there can be extra security and also to allow events to be held around the tree.

A big plastic yellow guide dog will be by the tree for people to put money into, with cash collected going to A Star is Born.

The aim of the campaign is to raise £10,000 to help with the cost of training Star, a Labrador puppy, to become a guide dog.

Every penny and pound will count and ensure that she gets the best care and training available so she is prepared to do the job of guiding someone blind or partially sighted.

Nigel Pickover, editor of the Star, said: “We hope our Christmas tree can help to get Ipswich feeling as festive as possible.

“And while we aim to spread a bit of good cheer hopefully shoppers will be feeling generous too and give to our appeal.”

To donate to the appeal, please send cheques - made payable to Guide Dogs - to Richard Cornwell, Evening Star, 172 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DU.

Are you feeling festive already or do you think Christmas starts too early? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED . . .

The aim is to raise £10,000 to help with the cost of Star's training - and we want the whole community to get involved with the appeal.

Every penny and pound will count and ensure that the little puppy get the best care and training as she is prepared to do the job of guiding someone who lives every day of their lives with the blight of blindness.

If you are organising a fundraising event for the appeal, then we want to hear so we can give it maximum publicity and help boost the amount raised.

So let us know what you are up to - get in touch with Richard Cornwell at the Felixstowe Newsdesk on 01394 284109 or the Ipswich Newsdesk on 01473 324788.

To donate to the appeal, please send cheques - made payable to the Guide Dogs - to Richard Cornwell, Evening Star, 172 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DU.