Lighting up Penarth with some Christmas cheer
Client: Penarth Town Council
Event: Penarth Christmas Light Switch On
Venue: Windsor Road, Penarth Town Centre
Record crowds gathered in Penarth Town Centre on Sunday 18th November, as Genero orchestrated our third event in partnership with Penarth Town Council. This is a largely anticipated event which is well-known for bringing together the local community, it really adds to the spirit of Christmas in Genero’s own home town.
With the crowd steadily increasing into the thousands, there was a buzz of anticipation for the main event. As the sun was setting, the BBC’s brilliant Lucy Owen was the welcoming voice of the main stage. Lucy introduced the local performers, one of whom was Ellie Jamieson, who left the crowd in awe after her renditions of songs To Make You Feel My Love and Hallelujah.
Ellie eagerly told Genero:
“The lighting and sound was fab. Genero did a sound check to check all the levels were good, which was so helpful. Especially as I’ve performed at places before that didn’t carry out a sound check and that did not end well! The event itself was great, everyone was really encouraging and wished me luck, which really calmed me down – as I always feel the nerves before a performance! It was lovely to meet Lucy, her prep before on what she would say was essential so there were no surprises! What a brilliant event and a pleasure to be a part of.”
Our team were proud to erect the main stage, bringing spectacular light shows to accompany all activity throughout the event. While the stage was the centre of attention, Genero and Penarth Town Council organised for some other forms of entertainment. The range of fairground rides for the children – especially the carousel – were particularly popular. Families were invited to make personalised pyrographed Christmas wooden decorations, a service provided by Eggseeds. Along with that, Penarth Coast Guard and RLNI Penarth were also in attendance with a display of their fantastic vehicles. Tabernacle Church treated everyone to their live manger scene and handed out complimentary hot drinks and mince pies, whilst a Bar 44 elf walked Windsor Road distributing tapas tasters and creamy hot chocolate that the people of Penarth embraced.
Just before the main event, Lucy introduced the excellent Wales and Cardiff Blues rugby player Josh Navidi onto the stage. Josh had the honour of pressing the big, red button at 5:30pm, making the magic happen. The countdown was accompanied by a snow machine which added to the exciting, wintery vibe.
Josh commented:
“It’s great to be a part of this event. I was delighted to have been invited to attend and I can’t believe the crowds that have turned out to support such a fantastic event and celebrate the start of the Festive season in such great spirit!’’
Among the various other activities taking place, 3D Brass put on a fantastic performance, playing not only traditional Christmas tunes, but also a selection of current favourites and chart toppers. Mayor Councillor Jon Luxton presented the Penarth in Bloom Christmas Planter Award to Tony’s for the best decorated Christmas Tree, who won the title alongside ACJ.
With many local businesses contributing to the festive cheer, we hope to recreate the same successful vibe for Christmas 2019.
As highlighted by what Peter Leckie, Genero Group’s Managing Director, had to say:
‘’It was great to round off this year’s Penarth Town Council calendar of events with some Christmas magic, and it has been fantastic to receive such great support from the local community.’’