When Ross-on-Wye's Christmas lights will be turned on

From Christmas lights to rock and roll, Herefordshire has it all! Here's what's on and when.

Ross-on-Wye Christmas lights

Ross-on-Wye's Christmas lights switch-on is coming this weekend, and the town council is delighted to announce they have picked their switch-on stars, after plenty of nominations! 

The town's Christmas Fayre lights switch on sponsors REHAU and Dawleys picked this year’s winners, outstanding locals Charlie Bowden and Tom Dudziec to turn on the lights at the event on Sunday, December 1.

The Christmas Fayre will run from 11am to 5pm in Ross town centre, with the switch on at 4.30pm

Charlie Bowden has been on a mission this year to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support following his mother’s bowel cancer diagnosis a few years ago.

The family has been through a tough time, and it has been quite a journey but after a major operation and numerous treatments his mum, Sarah, is now cancer free. Charlie has set a fundraising target of £12,000 and has raised almost £9,000 so far. To raise funds, he has organised various events including a tennis tournament and netball tournament, cake sale and benefit gig, as well as spending his summer doing gardening jobs.

But perhaps his biggest event to date was climbing Kilimanjaro with his Father, Tony, in October. They both reached the summit in good time however it wasn’t without drama after Tony fell ill and was airlifted from base camp. He has since made a full recovery.

Fellow switch-on star Tom has been a volunteer coordinator for Hereford and Worcester Community First Responder’s Ross-on-Wye Scheme for over 12 years, and has committed up to 1000 hours annually to supporting the community of Ross. He ensures all the local community first responders are up to date with new procedures and training, and has a real commitment to educating the public.

Christmas at Queenswood

This Christmas, Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum invites you to experience a magical blend of festive fun and relaxation while getting out and exploring nature.

On December 21 and 22 December, the much-anticipated Father Christmas’s Woodland Grotto is back, offering a unique festive experience. Guided by elves, families will follow a trail through the woodland to discover Father Christmas in his cosy grotto, warmed by a roaring log burner.  Throughout the weekend, there’s a jam-packed array of family-friendly fun to enjoy, including story-telling and Christmas crafts.

The Gruffalo trail at Queenswood (Image: Paul Ratcliffe)

For families looking to add an extra layer of adventure, the Hidden Elf Trail invites you to explore the wintery woodland in search of cheeky elves hiding in the trees. It’s a fun and engaging way to encourage children to spend time outdoors while enjoying the festive spirit. The trail is available throughout December.

The Woodland Cafe will be serving up hot refreshments, while the gift shop will be selling cards, local produce, stocking fillers and books, with late-night shopping and a Christmas choir on December 12.

Showaddywaddy

Rock and roll band Showaddywaddy return to the Courtyard in Hereford in February.

Formed in 1973 in Leicester, from two groups, Choise and Golden Hammers, they have sold more than 20 million records and have toured all corners of the world extensively.

Showaddywaddy’s live show is dynamic and uplifting and features all of their biggest hits such as Under The Moon of Love, Three Steps to Heaven, Hey Rock & Roll, When, Blue Moon, Pretty Little Angel Eyes, and many, many more.

Showaddywaddy is heading to the Courtyard (Image: The Courtyard)

The band features Romeo Challenger on drums, Andy Pelos on lead vocals and guitar, Billy Shannon on lead vocals and guitar, Dave Graham on sax and guitar, Tom Bull on bass, and Sam Holland on guitar and drums.

Showaddywaddy will be in The Courtyard’s Main House on Saturday, February 1, at 7.30pm. To book tickets, or for more information contact the Box Office on 01432 340555 or visitwww.courtyard.org.uk.