Alderley Edge traders have secured the help of a professional model and singer and her footballer husband to switch on the Christmas lights tonight (Thursday, 23rd November) and mark the official start of the festive celebrations.
Nermina Pieters-Mekic who was born in Bosnian and raised in the Netherlands moved to Alderley Edge in 2014 to join her husband Erik Pieters, a Dutch professional footballer who as a left back for Premier League club Stoke City.
Nermina stars in the British reality television series The Real Housewives of Cheshire broadcasted on iTVBe, having joined the cast in this year's sixth series.
London Road will be closed to traffic from 5pm, from the junction with Heyes Lane to the junction with Chapel Road, to enable the festivities to spread down the centre of the village.
The stage will be located on London Road, outside the former Nat West Bank, where local resident John Wallace will be introducing the performers, starting at 6pm. Entertainment will be provided by Alderley Edge School for Girls' Choir, Alderley Edge Community Primary School Choir, Ryleys' School Choir, Luis Sullivan, Drew Selby, SMB Dance, The Bennetts and Siren & Sound Choir.
The Alderley Edge Christmas lights will be switched on at approximately 7.30pm when Nermina Pieters-Mekic and Erik Pieters will be assisted on stage by the two winners of the school's poster competition: Mya Taube from Year 5 at Alderley Edge School for Girls, and Max Bailey from Year 6 at Alderley Edge Community Primary School.
To keep the little ones entertained there will be fairground rides, a balloon entertainer and snow globe and hopefully Father Christmas will manage to make an appearance on his sleigh.
Mitch Gilbert, Chairman of Alderley Edge Traders Action Group said "I hope to see a great crowd at the Alderley Edge Christmas Light Switch on this evening.
"Now in its 15th Year and hoping that this evenings event is just as memorable as the last 15 have been. I hope the community enjoy the evenings entertainment that has been lined up
for this year and a big thank to you all for shopping local and have a very Merry Christmas."
The event is scheduled to finish at 9pm.
Photo credit: The Real Housewives Of Cheshire on ITVBe.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Someone 'famous' for marrying a barely known footballer is doing the switch on.... and the same in Wilmslow?!?!
Can I suggest that in the future, people who have made a positive difference to the local area get the opportunity?....IE: Wilmslow Clean Team / 'In Bloom' volunteers / Community group leaders etc etc.
this occasion is for the residents. I hope all the people of Alderley edge have a fabulous Christmas.
In the past, various well known local people have bean asked and they said said no.!
However, I do have to question the decision to invite a 'Real Housewife of Cheshire' to open what is a family event. I don't mind admitting I watch the show. Aired after 10pm, as it should be, it is my 'guilty pleasure'. I have always referred to it as 'car crash TV'. Quite frankly, watching this show helps to reassure me how 'real' I am, and how 'real' the other people who I know who live in Alderley Edge are. I think it's unfortunate that such a show is designed to represent the female residents of this area, both nationally and internationally, as someone who has grown up here and lived here for 50 years. The show gives the REAL housewives of Cheshire a very poor name to contend with.
Given that the turning on of Christmas lights in Alderley Edge is designed to be a family event, is it appropriate to invite a 'celebrity' who is only known for her participation in this TV show to be the main attraction? I do hope that most parents of children under the age of 14 would prevent their children from watching the show. It is rife with scenes of appalling behaviour and foul language (which, of course, makes great TV). The 'Real Housewives' behave more like fish wives. Hardly role models!
Perhaps next time it might be worth seeking out the younger generations' version of Mister Blobby, or Paddington Bear? Just a suggestion.
However, I do have to question the decision to invite a 'Real Housewife of Cheshire' to open what is a family event. I don't mind admitting I watch the show. Aired after 10pm, as it should be, it is my 'guilty pleasure'. I have always referred to it as 'car crash TV'. Quite frankly, watching this show helps to reassure me how 'real' I am, and how 'real' the other people who I know who live in Alderley Edge are. I think it's unfortunate that such a show is designed to represent the female residents of this area, both nationally and internationally, as someone who has grown up here and lived here for 50 years. The show gives the REAL housewives of Cheshire a very poor name to contend with.
Given that the turning on of Christmas lights in Alderley Edge is designed to be a family event, is it appropriate to invite a 'celebrity' who is only known for her participation in this TV show to be the main attraction? I do hope that most parents of children under the age of 14 would prevent their children from watching the show. It is rife with scenes of appalling behaviour and foul language (which, of course, makes great TV). The 'Real Housewives' behave more like fish wives. Hardly role models!
Perhaps next time it might be worth seeking out the younger generations' version of Mister Blobby, or Paddington Bear? Just a suggestion.
We were really disappointed to be honest this year, especially by the lack of food and drink stalls compared to last year which was fantastic - was there a reason why there were no stalls anyone? Last year there was a huge range running up from the stage area almost down to The Bubble Room. And is there a reason why hardly any of the local shops don't stay open?
Thanks!