Biggins and Sampson Kickstart Christmas by Lynne Mashhadi 13/11/2009
The Christmas lights switch on in the Piazza was really buzzing last night.
The Christmas lights switch on in the Piazza was really buzzing last night.
My family and I arrived in time to catch George Sampson's last two songs and we were amazed at the turnout. Despite the fact that it was pouring with rain and howling a gale, the Piazza was packed. During George's performance, excited teenage girls were screaming in my ear and leaping around when the TV cameras swung their way.
I have to be honest and say that I had never heard of George Sampson before yesterday, as despite being a bit of a fan of 'X Factor', I don't tend to watch 'Britain's Got Talent' (which he won in 2008 for those who are still in the dark) Well, I don't have time to watch everything!
The comedy moment; This was when the (male)Heart DJ said "Who fancies waking with George? I know I do!" Ummmm, I think he meant on the breakfast show!
Heart FM were dishing our free sweets which kept the children happy, and although there was a strong presence of police and security guards, they happily did not appear to see much action as the crowd was very good natured.
When George had finished, Christopher Biggins and the Lord Mayor of Plymouth appeared on the stage, along with competition winner Nadine Hopton and ITV Westcountry's Peter Rowell. Christopher Biggins was amazingly ebullient, considering the weather, and he kept the vibrant atmosphere going. He expressed surpise at the number of people who had turned out in the rain! The lights were duly switched on and everyone got very excited.
After this, the remaining crowd were entertained by some songs from Plym Kids, who delivered a pretty good performance (but must have been freezing in their red T shirts), and a dance show by Beatbreakers.
At the end we strolled around (or rather fought through the masses) to look at the Christmas lights. These looked pretty good on the whole. The Ice Palace looks a bit plasticy in the daytime, but did look impressive all lit up at night - my advice is to take your children there after dark to see Santa, as it will seem a much more magical experience for them. Quite a few shops were open and Drake Circus was packed with people, so the tills should have been ringing.
I felt that, despite the horrendous weather, it was a good start to the Christmas season in Plymouth.
About the Author:
Lynne has lived in Plymouth for nearly 20 years, and wouldn't live anywhere else.
The Plymouth Blog is where she talks about things that are happening in Plymouth and how they affect the people who live here. She's lived in Luton, London, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Cardiff and Bristol, but chose to come and live in Plymouth over 20 years ago because she saw what a great place it is.
Everything she says here is her opinion, so feel free to agree or disagree with her views!
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