CELEBRATE THE SEASON: FESTIVITIES ARRIVE AT DRAKE CIRCUS THIS WEEK

Drake Circus and The Barcode will start its seasonal celebrations this Thursday (14th November) with its annual Christmas light switch on and a visit from special festive characters.

The official light switch on will be carried out by the centre’s newest recruit, seven-year-old Ellie who secured the Chief Fun Officer position, at 5:00pm, with a range of festive activities bringing Christmas cheer to the centre from 3:30pm.

The cheeky ‘Parcel Rascals’ will be causing mischief across the centre, inviting shoppers and retailers to take part in a giant game of pass the parcel, unwrapping each layer to discover a festive gift and a clue for who the parcel should be passed to next.

Additionally, the ‘Elf & Safety Team’ will be on hand, checking shoppers are carrying their bags correctly, maintaining hydration and crossing the threshold into shops with caution. With their clip boards and hard hats at the ready, watch them work their magic with straight faces and ridiculous rules.

Adults and children alike will delight in the centre’s magical ‘snow flurries’ at 4:00pm, which will see Drake Circus transformed into a joyful white Christmas. Snow flurries will then take place every day until Christmas at the Old Town Street entrance.

Greg Lumley, centre director at Drake Circus, said: “Our Christmas light switch-on is always a popular event. We’re excited to welcome visitors for the start of our festive celebrations and have our Chief Fun Officer turn the lights on.”

"It’s great to have the Elf and Safety Team back to the centre for a second year to oversee the playful Parcel Rascals. We’re looking forward to seeing the joy they bring to our visitors and the fun that people of all ages have during our giant pass-the-parcel game."

For a full list of Christmas events and to plan your festive day out at Drake Circus and The Barcode, please visit https://www.drakecircus.com/christmas