THIS year’s Christmas lights in Thornbury will help raise funds for the re-development of the town’s Armstrong Hall Complex.


Thornbury will light up again next month for the Christmas season thanks to the Thornbury Christmas Lights Association (TCLA) which has chosen to support The Armstrong Hall Redevelopment Project.


Money raised from the switch-on event, on November 17, will go towards the first stage of the re-development of the complex in Chapel Street - a long term project which aims to bring new facilities to the Thornbury community.


TCLA publicity officer Sally Higgins said: “Thanks to the support of the general public, local businesses, South Gloucestershire Council, Thornbury Town Council and a small band of volunteers Thornbury, will again be lit up with beautiful lights for the 2015 Christmas season. 


“Each year TCLA selects a charity to benefit from donations collected on the switch on night and this year we are pleased to announce that the 2015 charity beneficiary is The Armstrong Hall Redevelopment Project.


“The community market will again be running in Castle Street from 5pm and the Christmas Lights switch on will take place at 7pm.


“The charity will be running a bucket collection on switch on night, we look forward to seeing you on the night.”


Cllr Shirley Holloway, chairman of the Armstrong Hall Redevelopment Group, said that she is delighted that the project has been chosen as this year's beneficiary.


“'The Armstrong Hall, which is used and enjoyed by so many people, is desperately in need of renovation,” she said.


“I do hope we get lots of support.”


The first stage of the re-development, which would include new versatile function and practice rooms at the multi-function entertainment and community facility, is estimated to cost around £700,000.


If you would like to help create the Christmas displays this year please contact chairman Brian Roberts on 01454 822626.


If you would like to be in with a chance of assisting with the switch on please send your name, address, contact number and an e-mail address to Sally Higgins, Publicity Officer TCLA, 12, Bluebell Close, Thornbury, BS35 1UN and enclose a donation of at least 50p.