Coventry Xmas Lights Switch-On

Last Sunday, thousands of festive fun-seekers gathered in the city-centre for the city’s ‘magical’ 2010 Christmas lights switch-on as it started its countdown to Christmas. Crowds braved the bitter cold and the rain to gather in Broadgate to kick-start the festivities

The programme started at 3pm hosted by JD of Mercia breakfast show fame and continued till 6, with the light switch on at 5pm. A head lining act, The Hoosiers, a chart-topping indie band, played after the light switch on. Sam & Mark from CBBC, Cinderella and Buttons from this year's Belgrade panto, children’s favourite penguin, Pingu, a former Hollyoaks babe, stars from the box-office smash hit film Nativity all shared the same stage at this year’s impressive celebrations. Frankly, I’ve no idea who these people are…

We were in town but not to watch the entertainment.   And, it was a nice surprise to be able to park above the market. We couldn’t help admiring these beautiful decorations hanging along the Lower Precinct shopping centre. Aren’t they gorgeous? I bet it would look amazing at night.

It was only 1 pm but the city centre was buzzing. Market Way played host to an uninspiring Christmas Market. What a let down. There were about 10 stalls scattered here and there. There were selling  handmade jewellery, paintings, crystals, silverware, scarves, hats, candles, seasonal foods and cupcakes to name just a few.

Then we went straight to our raison d'être to the city-centre. I wanted to check out these gorgeous reindeers specially brought in to woo the shoppers. There was a very looong queue along Smithford Way, mostly parents with children, waiting patiently for their turn to have a picture taken with Santa’s flying reindeer. According to folklore, Santa has eight reindeer, who magically pull his sleigh through the sky and help him deliver Christmas gifts.

when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,
with a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and call'd them by name:
"Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer, and Vixen!
"On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen!
"To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
"Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!

~Clement Clarke Moore, Twas the night before Christmas (1823)~

We didn’t join the long queue but took the golden opportunity to get a few photographs by the side. Aren’t they gorgeous? I was quite surprised to see that they were actually quite small. Just look at those antlers? They looked like branches. I wished I could feel them!!!

Then we checked out the exquisite Christmas decorations hanging from The Atrium in West Orchards. It was quite daunting to take these photographs because people were everywhere. Hmmm…I wonder if they notice their beautiful surroundings.

We browsed in Debenhams but came out with nothing. My favourite shop, Past Times, have relocated somewhere in the city-centre and I haven’t checked it out yet. There were lots of gadget shops popping up and I bet these were around just to take advantage of the season.

Christmas late night shopping had started on Wednesday 17 November and will continue until December 15. From 20 December the city centre shops will be open late until 23 December inclusive. They will be open until 9pm on late nights giving shoppers plenty of opportunity to buy presents, decorations, cards and all sorts of other magical Christmas things.

This year it was expected  that shoppers will be looking to bag as many bargains as possible before the 1st January 2011 arrives when shopping may well become more expensive. VAT will rise to 20 per cent on that date. Life is going to get harder and tougher…

We went home tired but very happy. I made pumpkin muffins and baked pumpkins stuffed with creamed leeks and topped with cheese with the leftover pumpkin. My pumpkin cravings were now sated for this year.

I have purchased my tickets for my biennial trip to Malaysia. I will be away for about 3 weeks. I’m soo looking forward to see my parents, my sister and the rest of the tribe.

It may be that the satisfaction I need depends on my going away, so that when I've gone and come back, I'll find it at home.
Rumi