Rotherham Christmas Lights Switch-On: Busking Ravenfield teenager who went viral will headline event

A YOUTUBE sensation whose videos of him busking were seen by more than 3 million people will be on the bill at Rotherham's Christmas Lights Switch-On.
Alfie SheardAlfie Sheard
Alfie Sheard

Alfie Sheard (17, above), of Ravenfield, shot to fame last year when videos of him busking in Doncaster went viral and lead to an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show in the USA.

He will perform at the Christmas Lights Switch-On in All Saints' Square, Rotherham, on Thursday, November 15.

Also performing is X Factor 2018 contestant Georgia Burgess (above), who made it through to the judge's houses, wowing them with her rendition of the Jackson 5 hit ‘Who’s Loving You'.

They will be joined by the Rotherham Youth Choir and members of the cast of the Civic Theatre's pantomime Dick Whittington, who will entertain the crowds with songs and comedy routines.

The event, run by Rotherham Council, kicks off at 4.30pm and will culminate in the switch-on of the town centre's Christmas illuminations, which will be performed by Rotherham Mayor Cllr Alan Buckley at 6pm.

The annual event, which regularly attracts 5,000 people, will be hosted by Stuart Nicholson from Rother FM.

Father Christmas will also be in the town centre on his sleigh and street performers Jacks of Frost will be making an appearance.

Market stalls will be popping up for people to browse from 10am to 7pm and there will be children's rides along Effingham Street.

Rotherham Borough Council's cabinet member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “Everyone in Rotherham looks forward to this magical evening.

"The Christmas countdown will get underway at this wonderful family occasion which has lots of live entertainment, comedy and excitement when the town centre lights are officially switched on.

"It promises to be a spectacular event; filled with fun and festive hits, I’m sure everyone who comes along will enjoy the spectacle."

Parking is free from 4pm in all council-owned car parks and on-street parking bays (maximum stay still applies).

Customers using Wellgate Multi-storey car park will be provided with a ticket at the barrier but will not be charged on leaving. The car park will be locked at 10pm rather than 7pm.

Rotherham shoppers can also benefit from free parking on Saturdays and Sundays in all council-run car parks and in on-street parking bays in the run up to Christmas from November 18.

Schedule of events:

4.30       Rother FM

4.35       Rotherham Youth Choir

4.50       Rother FM

4.55       Cast of Dick Whittington from the Civic Theatre

5.10       Rother FM

5.15       Georgia Burgess and guitarist

5.30       Brief introduction from Rother FM, then Alfie Sheard

5.58       Mayor’s Speech

9.00       Countdown and Lights Switch On by the Mayor Councillor Alan Buckley and his Consort Sandra Buckley, and family

6.01       Music

 

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