Christmas cheer is coming to town on December 23 |16 December 2023
(L to r) Ms Charlie, Mr Sally and Ms Labrosse during the press conference
“It is going to be magical! That is how I choose to describe the first-ever Christmas lights parade in the heart of our beautiful town, Victoria, on December 23.”
This great news was announced by the acting Mayor of Victoria, Lydia Charlie, yesterday during a press conference at her office in town to give details of the activities to mark Christmas this year.
Ms Charlie said the day will start with a Christmas bazaar as from 9am along the Independence Avenue.
A stage will be set up in front of the National Museum of History where bands and groups will perform until late in the evening.
Now for the Christmas lights parade!
A lights parade is ideal as a symbolic way to show support towards those who have been affected in one or another during the December 7 disasters. Light is all about life, love, wisdom and hope. The parade which will start at 6.30pm, is set to bring cheer to all of us as we have all been touched by these tragic incidents.
“We will have different organisations taking part in the parade and we are asking those who wish to do so to contact the Mayor’s Office on 4225970, 2722417 or 2800440,” Ms Charlie said.
Among the organisations that have already confirmed to take part in the parade are the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency. We all know that children are very much fascinated by fire engines and one with a sparkle of lights all over will surely wow the little ones.
“Cable and Wireless, the Seychelles Police Force, the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC), dance group Emergency Crew, motorsports, National Brass Band have also confirmed and several others have shown interest in joining.”
People will be able to decorate their transports with lights such as the solar ones and the cheering crowd can also use fluorescent lights, she added.
“We will start at the Gymnasium car park and the one next to the Mayor’s Office, we will go down the State House Avenue, Independence Avenue, round the Bicentennial monument, Constitution Avenue, Unity monument, Rue de Possession and back to the car parks. From there people will be able take photos next to the decorated cars.”
Ms Charlie added that this will also serve as a fundraising activity whereby there will be a box in which people who wish to make any donations in cash or kind to distribute to the victims of last week’s disasters.
In regards to the details of road closure, she added that the Police Force will later give more information on the matter.
Also speaking was Alex Sally, a representative of the motorsports group. Mr Sally said they have decided to join the cause of bringing smiles and joy not only to those who have been deeply affected by the recent incidents but to the people of Seychelles as we have all been in shock and sadness.
“We will have modified cars decorated with lights. Owners of modified cars wishing to take part must get in touch with us for the necessary arrangements to be made.”
“This will be a chance to show that we are not about speed but we can also make a positive contribution,” he added.
And Santa!
Santa will definitely be in town on December 23, to bring added Christmas cheer and make our December 23 merrier.
Children will have the chance to take photos with him after the parade where he will also be giving sweets to the little ones.
After the parade, activities will go on in front of the museum.
The Christmas Vibes!
The Christmas Vibes, an activity organised by SNYC, will be back again this year. When the clock strikes 5.30pm on December 23, SNYC and team will fill the air in Victoria with Christmassy melodies. The Seychelles Defence Forces will also be collaborating in this activity.
SNYC, National Brass Band, Seychelles National Choir and other bands will also entertain the crowd after the parade.
Rhonda Labrosse from SNYC said for the Christmas Vibes activity, the Youth Troupe, National Brass Band and dance groups have all been invited to take part.
Another exciting part of the Christmas Vibes will be a special area designated for Father Christmas at the post office opposite the museum.
Those wishing to take photos with Father Christmas will be able to do so and will get them instantly at a small fee. The money collected will go towards supporting the people affected by last week’s events.
Victoria will not only dazzle in lights but the Christmas spirit will surely reign over our small town.