THORNBURY’S Christmas lights will be switched on by one of the longest serving members of Bristol Old Vic Theatre next month.


Andrew Stocker will visit the town on November 17 to turn on the lights and give an informative and entertaining talk entitled 'Bristol Old Vic – Then & Now', describing the extraordinary history of the theatre since its foundation in 1766.


This year’s lights, organised by the Thornbury Christmas Lights Association, will help raise funds for the redevelopment of the town’s Armstrong Hall Complex, a long term project which aims to bring new facilities to the Thornbury community.


Barbara Ray, member of the Armstrong Hall Redevelopment Group, said: “Because our appeal is the beneficiary of the Christmas lights switch on this year, we have as I say as a supremo from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre coming to switch on the lights.


“Andrew will recount his incident-packed life and times in the Bristol theatre and at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and will give inside information of the almost completed improvements to the theatre as well as the exciting celebrations planned for the 250th anniversary of the theatre in 2016.


“Don't miss this chance to hear of the Bristol theatrical heritage while at the same time supporting the local community hall refurbishment which itself has welcomed over the years many famous thespians to Thornbury.”


The talk starts at 7.30pm in the Cossham Hall after Andrew has switched on Thornbury's Christmas Lights in the High Street at 7pm.


Tickets are £6 (to include a welcome drink) and can be obtained from Thornbury Town Hall or by calling 01454 412272.