Medieval bar shines a light as festive season kicks off

The grade one listed structure, the only surviving gate or bar into the town, which dates from 1409, will be illuminated next Wednesday, as part of the biggest ever Christmas lights switch on in the town.

Running from the Bar to Wednesday Market, there will be street entertainment, live bands and traditional food sellers including roast chestnuts as well as a hog roast. The Christmas tree lights will formally be switched on by Lady Pauline Prescott and the North Bar switch-on will be performed by the Hon Susan Cunliffe-Lister, the Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding.

“We’re expecting the biggest crowds ever for the best and brightest Christmas lights event Beverley has ever seen,” said Julian Minshall, chairman of the late night Christmas group of the Beverley Chamber of Trade. “The town centre will be full of events and activities, and shops throughout the town are joining in to make this a fun and festive family occasion.” The work and the next 10 year’s lighting bills are being paid for by reserves accumulated over the last 16 years by Beverley’s Festival of Christmas.

The £10,000 cost of installing lights on the North Bar was largely paid for by money set aside in the two years when the reindeer – one of the festival’s main attractions – could not come because of foot and mouth and bluetongue. The rest came from a donation.

Festival committee John Bird said it was their contribution to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations next year.

“The last time it was switched on was for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897,” he said. There will be singing from the All For One choir and a celebratory peal of bells from St Mary’s Church until 9pm.

Shops in the town will stay open until 8pm. The Christmas tree lights switch on is at 6pm in Wednesday Market and 7.30pm at North Bar.