The Christmas Lights in Stafford will be switched on this week.

Paris Olympic silver medalists Joe Clarke and Dan Bigham will be joining the Mayor of Stafford Borough, Councillor Frank James, on stage on Saturday (16 Nov) to light up the skies in the traditional countdown to the big day.

The event is expected to attract 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 cyclist Dan Bigham, who was part of the silver-medal winning pursuit team at Paris.

Unfortunately fellow paddler Adam Burgess, who won silver in the Canoe Slalom, has had to pull out because of other commitments saying he was ‘gutted’ not to be there.

Leader of the borough council, Aidan Godfrey, invited all 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.”

Joe, Dan and Adam 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. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Adam added: “I’m really sorry I am not able to be with the other guys to turn on the Christmas Lights. I’m gutted to miss this brilliant event but unfortunately other commitments make it impossible for me to be there.”

Events on Saturday 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.

Councillor Godfrey said: “It is great that these amazing athletes are able to join us at this fantastic event which is run by Freedom Leisure.

“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 is a wonderful experience.

“It is a shame Adam cannot join his fellow Olympians as this will also be a perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate how proud we are of their achievements - and thank you to Freedom Leisure for making that happen."

Press Release No 6161