CBEEBIES star Mr Bloom will switch on Huddersfield’s Christmas lights.
The star – famed for his programme Mr Bloom’s Nursery – will be in town on Saturday, November 17.
Mr Bloom, who is played by Ben Faulkes, will be pushing the big red button at the event which will run from 4.30pm on the Piazza with entertainment and fun for the whole family.
Ben Faulkes has appeared in a number of films and theatre productions and began his training locally at Bretton Hall School of Dance and Drama.
He was nominated for a BAFTA award for best Children’s Television Presenter in 2011 and Mr Bloom’s Nursery, which is his own creation, won an RTS North and West award for best children’s programme in 2011.
The switch-on event will be supported by Huddersfield Town Football Club and Kirklees College who have come together to make it one to remember. Huddersfield Town will be playing a home game against Brighton and Hove Albion at 3pm so football fans can join the festivities after the final whistle. Dancers and singers from Kirklees College will be performing on stage before the switch on itself.
The entertainment will begin with a Pulse Radio Roadshow starting at 4.30pm, with entertainment and competitions to get the party started.
The party reaches its climax just before 6.30pm when Mr Bloom will be pressing the big red button to light up the town.
Clr Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “The switch on marks the start of the festive season for so many people and we’re delighted to be working once again with Huddersfield Town and Kirklees College on the event.
“Every year we attract large numbers to the town centre for the switch on because the event creates such a warm atmosphere for families and people of all ages.”
Huddersfield Town’s Business Development and Marketing Manager Mark Davies said: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with Kirklees College to get behind one of Huddersfield’s most traditional events, and a real highlight for all children in the community.
“With the success of the team last season and the beginning of this, there is a real feel good factor around the town and there’s no reason this can’t continue into the festive period and provide everyone with a great blue and white Christmas this year.”
Melanie Brooke, Vice Principal for Corporate Services at Kirklees College, said: “We are very excited about being involved in the Christmas switch on event again this year. Our performing arts students will once more take to the stage to showcase some of the huge talent we have at the college.”
Did you see them? New pictures of when The Beatles played Huddersfield in 1963: Click here to read.
