Every year, Bramley Green comes together for the Christmas lights switch-on. It’s a highlight of the village calendar: the square filled with families, the smell of mulled wine, the countdown, and then the moment the tree bursts into colour. But behind the scenes, it takes a small army of volunteers to make it happen. This year, we need more helping hands than ever.

The Big Switch-On: What’s Happening This Year

The event will take place on Saturday 2 December, starting at 4:30pm in the village square. The lights will be switched on at 6pm sharp, followed by carol singing and a chance to meet Father Christmas. As always, the event is free to attend, but we rely on donations to cover the cost of decorations, insurance, and refreshments. We’re expecting a good turnout, so we need to be organised. The more volunteers we have, the smoother the evening will go – and the more fun everyone will have.

Roles We Need to Fill

There are three main areas where we need volunteers, plus a few extra jobs on the day. You don’t need any special skills – just enthusiasm and a bit of common sense. We’ll provide all the equipment, high-vis vests, and a full briefing.

• Erecting decorations: This involves unloading the storage unit, checking bulbs, testing the timer, and putting up the lights around the square and on the tree. You’ll need to be comfortable on a ladder and able to lift moderately heavy boxes. We’ll provide gloves and safety gear. The work takes place on the morning of Saturday 2 December, from 9am until roughly 1pm. A bacon butty and a brew are included.
• Marshalling the square: Marshals are the friendly faces who keep everyone safe. You’ll be directing pedestrians, keeping the crowd behind the barriers, and making sure the road closures are respected. Full briefing provided, including what to do in an emergency. Shifts are one hour long, from 4pm to 7pm, so you can still enjoy the event with your family. We need at least ten marshals to cover all the corners of the square.
• Serving refreshments: We need people to hand out mince pies, pour mulled wine (and a non-alcoholic version), and serve hot chocolate. You’ll also be collecting donations in buckets. This is a great role if you’d rather be in the thick of the festive atmosphere. Shifts are 45 minutes, from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. If you have a food hygiene certificate, let us know – but it’s not essential.

We also need a few strong pairs of hands to help set up the stage and sound system, and to clear away afterwards. If you can spare an hour on Sunday morning for the tidy-up, that would be a huge help. And if you’re good with a camera, we’d love someone to take photos for the village newsletter.

The Planning Meeting at The Wheatsheaf

Before the big day, we’re holding a planning meeting at The Wheatsheaf on Tuesday 14 November at 7:30pm. This is your chance to find out exactly what’s involved, ask questions, and sign up for a role. We’ll run through the timetable, health and safety, and who’s doing what. It’s also a good excuse to enjoy a pint and a chat with fellow volunteers. If you can’t make the meeting but want to help, just turn up on the day or ring the village hall to let us know. We’re a friendly bunch, and there’s no pressure to commit to more than you can manage.

On the Day: Timings and Practicalities

Here’s a quick run-down of the day so you know what to expect:

• 9am: Decoration crew meets at the storage unit behind the village hall. Wear old clothes and sturdy shoes.
• 1pm: Break for lunch and a cuppa. The pub is open if you fancy something warmer.
• 3:30pm: Marshals and refreshment volunteers meet at the square for a briefing. Collect your tabard and radio.
• 4:30pm: Event begins. Stalls open, music starts, and the crowd gathers.
• 6pm: Lights switch-on. Countdown led by the parish council chairman.
• 7pm: Event ends. Clear-up begins. Many hands make light work.

Please wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes. Bring a torch if you’re on the evening shift – the square can be dark once the stalls pack away. We’ll have a volunteer base in the church porch where you can grab a hot drink and a biscuit. There are toilets available in the village hall, and a quiet room if you need a break from the noise.

Other Ways to Lend a Hand

If you can’t volunteer on the day, there are still plenty of ways to support the switch-on. You could bake a cake for the refreshment stall, donate a raffle prize, or simply come along and pop a pound in the bucket. Every little helps. And if you know a neighbour who might struggle to get to the square, offer them a lift or a warm spot to watch from. The more the merrier.

So, can you spare an hour or two? Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or it’s your first time, you’ll be made very welcome. Let’s make this year’s switch-on the best one yet. See you at The Wheatsheaf on 14 November – and don’t forget to bring a friend.