15/11/12…’Strictly’ Russell to turn on Thame’s Christmas lights

TV’s Russell Grant is predicted to be the star of the show at this year’s Thame Christmas event, when he turns on the town’s Christmas lights on November 30.

Russell will be dropping in with fellow cast members of the pantomime, Peter Pan, which will be showing at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury in December. Russell will be playing the part of Roger the cabin boy.

Russell hit our TV screens again last year in the BBC?s Strictly Come Dancing programme, where he learned to dance with world-champion Latin dancer, Flavia Cacace. He has just completed a season starring in London?s West End as the Wizard in Andrew Lloyd Webber?s, The Wizard of Oz, at the London Palladium.

The Christmas event programme:

This year?s Thame Christmas event will see the return of the popular skating rink (from 4pm), as well as newcomers, the Rodeo Reindeer and a snowboard simulator. The more adventurous will be able to showcase their skills on the mobile skating ramps.

The festive fun will kick off at 3.30pm with seasonal stalls, street entertainment and Santa?s grotto. An evening of entertainment will follow from 6pm with appearances by Thame Players, who will be highlighting their panto, Humpty Dumpty. The evening will also feature the Thame Concert band, carols from local schoolchildren, community singing supported by Thame Chamber Choir and dancing from young students who attend the stage school, Stagecoach, Thame.

Music from Little Bill?s Big Band and fireworks will round off the evening once Russell has officially thrown the switch to switch on the Christmas lights.

A number of Thame shops will remain open late in the evening so there?ll be plenty of opportunity to include a spot of Christmas shopping.