| The start of the Christmas season in the
Pitshanger area is marked each year by Light Up
The Lane, when Pitshanger Lane is closed to traffic and taken over
by local residents and traders for an evening of fun
and entertainment. There is a serious side to the
event too, since any profit made is used to support
PCA community projects and local charities.
Pitshanger Lane is home to the shops and restaurants
serving the Pitshanger area, and it was the Pitshanger
Traders who started Light Up The Lane
several years ago. Since 2001, the PCA has run
the event in close cooperation with the Pitshanger
Traders.
Light Up The Lane kicks off with a ceremonial
countdown to the switching on of many thousands of
lights strung through the trees that line Pitshanger
Lane. The lights come on each evening from
then until twelfth night, brightening the gloom of
the darkest midwinter evenings.
For the next three hours most of the shops in the
Lane stay open, selling mince pies, mulled wine, samosas,
candy floss and anything else that will raise money
for charitable causes. On the stage there is a
continuous programme of songs and dancing by local
groups, and further amusement is provided by
strolling entertainers and side shows.
Needless to say, the weather has a part to play in
any open air event that takes place in the middle of
winter. Fine weather in 2001 was followed by
torrential rain in 2002. Fortunately. rain
showers during the day in 2003 cleared in time for
the start of the event, and over 4,000 people were
able to enjoy Light Up The Lane to the full without
getting soaked!
Light Up The Lane 2007 will take place on
Saturday 1st December, from 5.50pm to 9pm, with the
lights going on at 6.30pm.
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