Actress to switch on Christmas lights

3:27pm Thursday 15th November 2007

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WELSH actress Joanna Page will feel quite 'at home' when she switches on the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Christmas lights and tree at Barry Town Hall and King Square.

The switch-on of the dazzling display at 6pm on Friday, November 23, is part of a free, fun-packed event for all the family starting at 4pm.

Joanna stars as Stacey, a Barry Island girl, in the BBC hit comedy Gavin and Stacey, and much of the filming has taken place in and around Barry.

The BBC is currently filming a second series.

Joanna, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), has starred in a number of films including Love Actually and Very Annie Mary.

The event on November 23 will feature a wide range of live music - including the Barry Male Voice Choir, local rock band Loaded, and Celtic music band Mabon - plus street entertainers, glow jugglers and mulled wine.

The evening will close at 8pm with a spectacular fireworks display.

Vale cabinet member for visible services Cllr Rob Curtis said: "The Christmas lights, which were introduced last year following the Town Hall redevelopment programme, transformed the town centre in the run up to Christmas.

"Alongside the Holton Road refurbishment programme, it's just one of the ways that the council is working with traders and other partners to attract more shoppers into the town centre, not just in the busy run-up to Christmas but throughout the year."

Hundreds of residents and visitors enjoyed a similar event last year, and Council leader Cllr Margaret Alexander said: "There will be plenty for people of all ages, especially youngsters, to enjoy and to get in the festive mood."

For more information on the festive event, call 01446 704736.

Originally aired on BBC Three and later shown on BBC Two, Gavin and Stacey focuses on the relationship of Gavin, an Essex boy, played by Matthew Horne, and Stacey. Written by and starring Ruth Jones and James Corden, the programme features a host of familiar faces including Rob Brydon, Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb.