Hollyoaks star set to switch-on Buxton's Christmas lights

Lucy Dixon who is appearing in the Buxton Opera House's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

To get the town in the seasonal spirit the star of this year’s Snow White pantomime will be leading the countdown in the Pavilion Gardens - where there will also be a seasonal Grand Bazaar.

Lucy Dixon is best known for her work in BBC’s Waterloo Road and Hollyoaks, but will be headlining the family-favourite panto at Buxton Opera House next month.

A Pavilion Gardens spokesman said: “We are building a grotto in the cafe and Father Christmas has promised to visit.”

Buxton Christmas lights switch on.
Pupils from the Taddington and Priestley Church of England Primary School entertain the crowds with their Christmas songs. — Buxton Christmas lights switch on. Pupils from the Taddington and Priestley Church of England Primary School entertain the crowds with their Christmas songs.

Shopping will be available from 2pm with Santa and the switch-on event from 5pm onwards. The Christmas lights are due to be switched on at around 6.30pm.

There will be performances from the pupils of St Thomas More, Buxton Junior and St Anne’s schools.

The Buxton Boat Club will be sailing their illuminated model boats near the fountain, the miniature train will be running with lights around the park and there will be children’s rides on the Promenade.

The night will be compered by the ever-popular Bill Weston, and the mayor will also be in attendance.

The deadline for schools taking part in the Pavilion Gardens’ 12 Days of Christmas children’s art competition is also Friday.

For every child that enters there will be a small prize, and artist Richard Prime will be judging the winners.

All entries will be on display during the Christmas fair and the farmers’ market.

Individual entries can be handed in to the tourist information centre anytime before Christmas.