Cinderella to flick switch to set Tadley's Christmas tree lights twinkling

The annual tradition in the town will spark a host of tinsel-strewn seasonal events across North Hampshire.
Three actors, including Cinderella herself – actress Sarah Louise Day – from this year’s pantomime at the Anvil Theatre, in Basingstoke, will join the countdown to turn on the tree lights, at the council offices, in Franklin Avenue, at 7pm on Friday, November 28.
Cinderella will be accompanied by fellow actors, Katy Ashworth (Fairy Godmother), who is best known as a presenter on the BBC children’s television programme CBeebies, and Ben Harlow (Prince Charming).
All three will be decked out in their pantomime costumes ready for their run in the theatre from December 11 to January 4.
A north Hampshire villager will also be joining the cast this year – television presenter Keith Chegwin, of Ashmansworth, who will be playing Buttons.
Although Cheggers will not join the three actors switching on the lights, he said he was looking forward to returning to the local theatre, after last performing at the venue in 2011.
“I’m so glad to be back,” he said.
Carol singing will take place at 6pm, with Burnham Copse Primary School pupils entertaining the crowd, followed at 6.30pm by Tadley Band and the Tadley and Hurst Singers.
Father Christmas will also put in an appearance, and refreshments will be available.
The Christmas spirit continues in the Tadley and Baughurst area on Friday, December 5, when Father Christmas returns to Tadley Pet Supplies, Heath End Road, bringing real reindeer and a sack full of goodies, including a free gift for each child.
Shop owner, Andrew Green, said he was dedicating the event to his father, Joe Green, who died aged 79 on Boxing Day last year, and Burghfield First Responders, with collection tins available for donations to the responders.
Mr Green said: “We donated £1,000 to Burghfield First Responders from a collection made at my dad’s funeral.”
Elsewhere, the Kingsclere Singers will be commemorating this year’s First World War Centenary at their 2014 Christmas concerts, by fundraising for the forces’ charity, SSAFA, with performances in Kingsclere and Tadley.
Join them for an old-time music hall and Christmas carol concert at St Paul’s Church, in Tadley, at 7pm on Friday, December 12 and St Mary’s Church, Kingsclere, at 7pm, on Saturday, December 13.
Tickets are £7.50, with part of proceeds to be donated to the SSAFA.
They can be purchased in advance from The Village Butchers, Swan Street, Kingsclere, choir members, or at the door.
For more information visit the website www.kingsclere-singers.co.uk.
Father Christmas will also be pulling up his sleigh at Kingsclere Primary School’s Christmas fair, in the school hall from 3.30-5.30pm, on Friday December 5.
As well as Santa’s grotto, there will be stalls, games, prizes, a raffle and refreshments.