Swindon’s first Virtual Christmas Light Switch-On, produced by inSwindon BID will take place online via their Facebook page, this Saturday 3rd October, from 6pm-7pm.
This year’s virtual event will feature an exclusive projection, light and fire show for the switch-on moment which recognises the amazing work of Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, emergency services and keyworkers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was asked nominate staff whose work had be recognised throughout the pandemic, to take part in this year’s BIG switch on moment and they have announced them as:
Edyta Buczkowska-Michalak – Endoscopy Nurse
‘Edyta is a nurse in endoscopy who, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, nominated herself to be transferred to Saturn ward to support the ward. During this period of time, she fitted in and worked so well with the team to the point that they were requesting she stayed longer. Upon return to endoscopy, her leadership has been essential in bringing the nursing team back together.’
Deborah Phair – Ward Manager, Woodpecker Ward
‘Deborah’s leadership of Woodpecker Ward has been nothing short of fantastic through the pandemic. Woodpecker was the first ward to be designated a COVID-19 ward and remains today the Trusts recognised COVID-19 ward. Deborah has supported her entire team through the changes on the ward from both managing different patient groups as well as effectively managing the wards PPE processes and ensuring that the care the patients received wasn’t changed by the pandemic.’
Abbey McNab – Healthcare Assistant, Neptune Ward & Rachel Moreman – Ward Clerk
‘Abbey and Rachel have both absolutely embraced the challenges through Covid. They have worked their socks off with ward improvements and have had a positive attitude during the toughest of times. The team are always greeted with a smiling face by these two no matter how busy they are.’
Dr Debbie Finch – Department of Medicine for the Elderly Consultant and Deputy Associate Medical Director for Unscheduled Care
‘From a medical perspective, Debbie has very much led the division through the pandemic as well as supporting her colleagues as a front-line clinician. Her input was key in the initial stages to manage move to COVID-19 wards, as well as their gradual switch back. Her clinical input into this and creating solutions to problems was vitally important to the divisional team. Moving forward, she continues to support Woodpecker and its teams and remains a very much go to person for the division when concerns or challengers arise.’
inSwindon BID Manager, Anita Bellinger said, “We are humbled to be welcoming our amazing NHS Heroes to our first virtual Christmas Light Switch On and look forward to paying tribute to them, our emergency services and all key workers who have worked tirelessly for our town. I really hope viewers at home tune in to support not only their town centre, but the amazing work of all those whom we are dedicating the online event to.”
The event features a variety of pre-recorded performances from ten local acts, hosted by BBC Radio Wiltshire’s Ben Prater and Totally Crazy, as well as a special message from Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s CEO, Kevin McNamara, followed by a video from staff.
Acts announced so far include Swindon Dance, Phoebe Maddison, Wilkes Academy, Billy & Louie, Jenny Bracey, The Tribe, PQA Swindon, Rock Choir North Wiltshire, Josie Ellis, The Tribe and lastly Fandangos, who will be performing a special fire circus as part of the switch on moment.
Special messages will also be shared from Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Gary Perkins alongside inSwindon BID Manager, Anita Bellinger, and Santa and his Chief Elf for the children at home.
Plus, 2020’s Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Fayth Ifil and singer, stage star, TV personality and Principle of Swindon’s Wilkes Academy, Jonathan Wilkes, will share their special messages as they introduce some of the entertainment for the viewers at home.
And there’s more – from 1st November, as part of Swindon’s Illumina 2020, visitors will also be able to enjoy a ‘Luminary Business Trail’, which will see a variety of stars illuminate windows across the town centre as part of the visual campaign, plus a Virtual Christmas Market’ will also take place via the BID’s social media channels to promote businesses across the town centre to visitors looking for their all-important gifts and seasonal shopping and will feature a selection of competitions.
For all the latest information across Swindon’s Illumina and the virtual Christmas Light Switch-On, visitwww.swindontowncentre.co.uk or social media channels, @inSwindon.
