The festive family event, running from 3pm to 8pm, will include a fun fair, live entertainment, and a festive land train. Dazzling drone displays will take off from The Close at Rugby School at 5pm and 7pm, illuminating the skies with light shows set to music.
Revellers can enjoy music, dance, fair rides, and seasonal food and drink. The event also features free children's arts and crafts, storytelling, face painting, fire pits, a Teenage Market, and a silent disco. Father Christmas will join the Mayor of Rugby, Cllr Nooria Sayani, in North Street at 6pm to switch on the town's Christmas lights.
Cllr Louise Robinson, leader of Rugby Borough Council, highlighted the event's promise of Christmas cheer and its status as a first for Rugby with the drone display. "It promises to be a magical day out for all the family and the perfect opportunity to support our town centre shops and businesses during the run-up to Christmas," she stated.
Free parking is available at council-owned town centre car parks, excluding North Street and Chestnut Fields. Tickets for the drone displays at The Close cost £5 (under twos free) and can be booked online. Limited capacity means early booking is advised.
Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, deputy leader of the council, commented, "The Christmas lights switch-on signals the start of the festive season in Rugby, when families come together in the spirit of reflection and celebration. We're looking forward to welcoming visitors to the town centre for a fantastic family event."
The council's festive programme also includes the Rugby Christmas Market on Saturday 28 November and the Rugby Lights and Lanterns Procession on Saturday 19 December. More information is available at www.therugbytown.co.uk.
