Actress to switch on lights

JERRY Hall has been revealed as the celebrity who will turn on Henley’s Christmas lights this year.

The American model and actress will push the button at the town’s annual Christmas Festival, which will be held on Friday, November 28. She will be joined by the Mayor Tom Buckley and the winner of the Christmas card competition.

The theme for this year’s card competition, decided by the mayor, is “A Victorian Christmas in Henley”, and the winning design will be picked out of entries submitted by schoolchildren across Henley.

As usual, the annual festival will feature fairground rides, food vendors, live musical performances, and stalls from community organisations.

However, this year Henley Town Council is launching a new festive shopping event which will run the weekend after, Shop Under the Stars.

Set to be held on Friday, December 5 the events will see more than 25 shops in the town open their doors until 8pm.

There will be live festive music and entertainment in the Market Place from Denizen who will be performing from 4pm to 5.30pm and Freddie and the Freeloaders from 6pm to 7.30pm

Traders will also be occupying a number of alpine-style huts in the marketplace, selling a range of gifts. The huts will be in the Market Place from December 4-14.

Queen Anne School in Caversham will be running a pop-up food trailer serving hot chocolate and mulled wine.

The council said that the late-night shopping event aimed to bring together “the very best of Henley’s independent shops, seasonal treats, and live entertainment.”

Its spokeswoman said: “Beneath the glow of Henley’s stunning Christmas lights, the event promises an enchanting evening of shopping, sparkle, and community spirit.

“Shop Under the Stars is all about celebrating Henley’s festive charm and supporting our amazing high street retailers. It’s a chance to shop local, enjoy the atmosphere, and start the Christmas season in style,”