A tree of light will stand tall in Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown

RELATED LINKS: Sparkling trees light up Main Street MAIN Street is again being turned into a forest of bright Christmas trees, all designed by local artists and made using a variety of interesting materials. Read more Buy a Tree of Light globe for a loved one SEND a message of goodwill or simply remember a loved one who has died with the annual Tree of Light at the Johannesburg Zoo. Read more It's carols-at-Zoo-Lake-time again PACK the picnic baskets and bring out the candles, 'tis the season for festive cheer - and Carols by Candlelight at Zoo Lake. Read more What to do this week OUTDOOR adventure, heritage, family treats, new art or museum shows - follow Lucille Davie's weekly selection of the most interesting city activities. Read more Events calendar 2006 YOUR first-stop guide to city events, our interactive calendar ranges wide, from concerts to lectures to DIY shows. Search by date, area or category. You can also subscribe to free weekly e-mail alerts. Read more

Newtown will once again be festooned with lights

Festive lights to brighten Mary Fitzgerald Square Newtown's Mary Fitzgerald Square is the venue this year for the annual festive lights switch on ceremony, when the city welcomes the Christmas season. November 30, 2006 By Michael Tsingo JOBURG will welcome an African Christmas when the festive lights are switched on at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown on Friday, 1 December at 6.30pm. But the fun starts before then, with a special screening of the movie Pocahontas at 4.30pm for the younger set, who will also get treats from Father Christmas. Christmas is the season of giving and the entrance fee to the annual switch on is a new toy - instead of cash, you pay with your toy. The toys will be donated to charities, orphanages and children's homes. Only brand-new toys will be considered. Executive Mayor Amos Masondo heralds the festive season in 2005: this year promises to be a spectacular affair This year the City has planned a 15m-tall steel Christmas tree and rope lighting, turning the square into a colourful wonderland. Following the official switch on, more lights will come to life along Old Potchefstroom Road in Soweto and London Road in Alexandra. The entertainment includes award-winning singer Ed Jordan, who will perform his African Christmas, and the Soweto Gospel Choir will sing carols to welcome the magic of the festive season. Other musicians performing at the switch on are Zamajobe, Judith Sephuma, Malaika, Mafikizolo, Selaelo Selota and Ntando. After the carols, snacks and drinks will be served at Capellos restaurant in Newtown, near the square. The ceremony is sponsored by Spar Stores South Africa and is supported by Khaya FM and The Star newspaper. Last year the lighting ceremony was held at Altrek Park Cricket Oval in Alexandra. For more information and reservations, contact Khaya FM's Mahlodi Makate on 011 634 9529 or email mahlodi@kayafm.co.za. Gates will open at 4pm and parking is at Number 1 Central Place, Newtown. Permission to use web site material Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as: Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency (www.joburg.org.za)"; If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original article on this website; The name of the article's author is acknowledged; The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill in this brief online form). Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 Print this Page E-mail this article to a friend Help using Joburg.org.za