Olympic stars to light up Stafford for Christmas event

Three local Olympians will be turning on the Christmas Lights in Stafford next month.

Paris silver medal winners, Joe Clarke, Adam Burgess and Dan Bigham will be joining the Mayor of Stafford Borough on stage to light up the skies in the traditional countdown to the big day.

The event takes place on Saturday 16 November and attracts thousands of people to the Market Square in Stafford with live music and entertainment throughout the afternoon before the lights are turned on at 5pm. A spectacular firework display and more live music will then bring the curtain down on the popular event which is organised by Freedom Leisure on behalf of Stafford Borough Council.

Canoeist Joe, previously turned on the Christmas Lights eight years ago after striking gold at Rio 2016. He added to his achievements with a silver in Kayak Cross this summer. This time he will be accompanied by fellow paddler Adam Burgess, who won silver in the Canoe Slalom, and cyclist Dan Bigham, who was part of the silver-medal winning mens ‘pursuit team at Paris.

Leader of the borough council, Aidan Godfrey, invited the three to the Christmas event after hearing a radio interview where Dan quipped shortly after winning his medal that maybe he would “get to flick the local Christmas Lights on one day.”

All three attended Alleyne’s High School in Stone. The two paddlers started their sporting journey as youngsters at the hugely successful Stafford and Stone Canoe Club on the town’s Westbridge Park. 

Dan said: “To be offered to turn on the Stafford Christmas Lights, it may sound cheesy, but it’s like a dream come true. And to be alongside two of the guys I went to school with, Adam and Joe, absolutely I want to be there. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Events on Saturday (16 November) get underway at around 3pm with the stage show being compered by Vibe 1 and will include local band Cartoon Kings, the cast of this year’s Gatehouse Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, and of course a visit from Father Christmas.

The Mayor of the Borough, Councillor Frank James, will then join the Olympians to turn on the lights.

Councillor Godfrey said: “I heard Dan mention in a radio interview about turning on Christmas Lights - and I thought we can make that happen. And it is great that all three of these amazing athletes are able to join us at this fantastic event which is run by Freedom Leisure.

“Along with some great entertainment throughout the afternoon, it is always wonderful to see the thousands of huge smiles across the faces of young and old when that magical moment comes and the Christmas Tree and lights around the town centre come to life.

“And this year Joe, Adam and Dan will make the experience extra special as the countdown to Christmas gets well and truly underway. It is a perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate how proud we are of their achievements - and thank you to Freedom Leisure for making that happen.