02/12/11…East Enders star to light up Thame!

EAST ENDERS actress, Gillian Wright, will be helping to launch Christmas in Thame this year when she officially turns on the town’s Christmas lights.

Gillian plays Jean Slater in East Enders and will be taking part in the Big Thame Christmas Event on Friday, December 2, in the High Street in front of the town hall. She’ll be accompanied by other members of the cast of Dick Whittington, this year’s panto at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, in which she co-stars with actor, musician and TV presenter, Jonathon Wilkes.

THAME GOES ALPINE!

This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better with an ice rink in the car park area again, and for the first time, a Ski slope will help create a winter wonderland atmosphere.

As well as the usual stalls and charity stands, the French market will be in town from the day before (Thursday, December 1)until the Saturday, December 3.

Thame’s twin town of Montesson will also be visiting for the weekend once again, selling French wines, conserves, cheese etc and their ever popular tasty crepes.

The stage event will include a Childrens’ choir made up from all three primary schools, accompanied by the Thame Concert Band, a performance by the winner of Thame’s Got Talent, Community singing, a Christmas address by Rev Paddy Harris and, one of the stars of Music in the Park, Elton John tribute band, Ultimate Elton will be performing.

The event will begin at 6pm with the Mayor, David Bretherton’s Welcome and finish at around 7.30pm. The Town Crier and a surprise visitor, with the initials FC, will also be making frequent appearances throughout the evening.

The Compere for the evening will be Paddy Harris, from Cornerstones, who many will remember as the compare for Music In the Park back in May.