Penguin Family to join Pontypool Christmas lights switch-on (From Free Press Series)

Penguin Family to join Pontypool Christmas lights switch-on

2:30pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News

LAST year Pontypool Christmas lights switch-on made headlines for all the wrong reasons when hired Mr Men characters couldn’t do their duty – because they couldn’t move their arms in the costumes.

So this year, while Pontypool Community Council is hiring fun children’s characters for its Christmas Cavalcade, the authority is taking the safe option with the important task.

Its chairman, Councillor Barry Taylor, will do the honours with the town’s lights.

The annual event will be taking place on Saturday, November 24, and will feature special guests The Penguin Family in the parade.

Last year there was disappointment when Mr Bump and Little Miss Sunshine couldn’t wave to the hundreds of children who turned up on the day because they were unable to move their arms. Their restricted movement also prevented them from switching on the lights and the community council’s chairman had to do the job.

Pontypool Community Council branded the £1,495 Rainbow Production characters as extortionate and said they failed to offer value for money. The council has now chosen The Penguin Family, who they say will provide a fun and educational alternative at a cost of £550 for the afternoon.

The Penguin Family combines animatronic costumes, traditional puppetry and strong characterisation.

The procession starts at 4.30pm from outside the Civic Centre,ending at the ‘Link’ at the top of Crane Street for the switching on of the lights.There will be entertainment throughout the afternoon, with The Penguin Family making their first appearance at about 1pm.

Santa will be in his grotto from 12.30pm until 4pm in the Pontypool Indoor Market.

Everyone is welcome to take part in the cavalcade at 4.30pm.

Call 01495 756736 or e-mail ajames@pontypoolcc.gov.uk