The Boldmere Community Festival with Christmas Lights Switch on saw nearly 10,000 people take to Boldmere’s thriving high street. At its peak, there were estimated to be 6,500 people gathered to watch Channel 4’s Autistic Gardener, Alan Gardner, switch on the lights in Boldmere.

A tradition that started in 2012 after winning a Government backed initiative by Mary Portas to enhance High Streets, led by Pippa Goode and Martin Pedley with a few market stalls, has flourished into Sutton’s biggest lights switch on event with two live musical entertainment stages, a dance zone and over 80 Christmas market stalls. Pippa and Martin commented ‘we never believed that from such humble beginnings it would lead to such a great event attended by thousands of people who love their community’.

Channel 4’s Autistic Gardener said, “I was honoured to switch on the lights for such an amazing community in the heart of Sutton Coldfield.”

Musical entertainment was provided by Bishop Vesey Grammar School’s band, Sutton Coldfield Community Choir, Sutton Coldfield Tuneless Choir and headline acts First Request (part of Real Life church), Ire-Ish and Rosie O’Sullivan. Crowds were also entertained with a glimpse of Highbury Theatre’s pantomime Aladdin.