STAR of ITV’s “Loose Women” and singing star Jane McDonald will be the celebrity flicking the switch to illuminate Skegness at the resort’s annual illuminations switch on ceremony on Saturday, July 26, 2008.
The popular women’s chat show host rose to fame after appearing in a television documentary “The Cruise” about life entertaining on a cruise ship. Early in her singing career, Jane regularly appeared at a club in Chapel St Leonards and many Lincolnshire people still feel she has a local connection.
Jane will be joined by guest compere, Eddie Shaw, from Lincs FM. He will be at Skegness’ Clock Tower Island from 7.30pm with two-guitar duo “Isis” playing live music, which you can watch for free, from the 60s through to the charts.
At 8.45pm a procession will make its way down North Parade and Grand Parade toward the switch-on point entertaining the crowds. The procession will include the North East Lincolnshire Pipe Band, the Royal Anglian Band, Redcoats and characters from Butlins, the Butlins Road Train, the Vintage Fire Engine, the Skegness Carnival Queen, Carnival Princess and Rosebud Princess, the Mayor of Skegness, the Chairman of East Lindsey District Council which organises the event, the resort mascot the Jolly Fisherman who is celebrating his 100th birthday this year, and more.
|At Clock Tower island, after free entertainment from the Butlins team and the compere Lincs FM’s Eddie Shaw, Jane will flick the switch with Jolly to light up the town at 9.45pm. This will then be followed by a magnificent firework display.
The Council’s Portfolio Holder for Coastal Regeneration, Councillor Neil Cooper, said he thinks Jane will be a hit with the crowds: “It’s great to invite Jane back to Skegness, this time as a well-know celebrity. I am delighted that Jane has agreed to entertain the crowds on the most exciting night of the holiday season in Skegness.”
“Skegness and the Lincolnshire Coast is a place for families and it’s important that we continue to provide a good range of entertainment and facilities to ensure people continue to visit the resorts,” he said.
Jane MacDondald will be appearing at the Embassy Theatre on Sunday, July 27, 2008.
