Surrey’s Tree Lighting Festival will fill city hall plaza with sights and sounds of the season on Saturday (Nov. 25).
The annual event runs from noon to 7 p.m., with the lighting of a 55-foot Christmas tree set for 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, and Santa and Mrs. Claus have been invited to attend.
As the festival headliner, Edmonton-based musician Ruth Berhe, better known as Ruth B., will also be there. The singer, winner of the 2017 Juno for Breakthrough Artist of the Year, had a recent hit with the piano ballad “Lost Boy.” Right now, her website features a lyric video for the song “If This is Love.”
“Her 12-song debut album Safe Haven shines as dazzling pop embroidery far surpassing first album expectations, with Rolling Stone lauding the album 3.5 stars and declaring Ruth B. ‘one to watch,’” the website raves.
(STORY CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO)
Other entertainers at the Coast Capital Savings-sponsored event include Daysormay (a Vernon-based alt-rock band), Krystle Dos Santos (jazz-soul singer), Charlotte and Matt Diamond, Josh Bogert, Zaac Pick, Rockin’ Robin & The Magical Tree, Celebrate Celine, Mike Battie, Angels on High, Westcoast Harmony Chorus and VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir.
This year, some new attractions include an expanded holiday market and a Holiday Fun Zone with free zip-line ride. Road hockey games and amusement rides are also part of the fun.
Mayor Linda Hepner said attending the festival has become one of her favourite holiday traditions.
“The beautiful Christmas tree, arrival of Santa, and great entertainment create a truly festive atmosphere,” she stated. “I encourage everyone to come catch the holiday spirit and join us at this family friendly celebration.”
Representatives of Surrey Food Bank, Surrey Christmas Bureau, Sophie’s Place and Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society will be there to collect donations from festival-goers.
More event details, including a performer schedule and a “Fun Things to Do” guide, are posted at surrey.ca/treelighting.
Surrey’s City Hall Plaza is located at 13450 104th Ave.
tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com
Like us on Facebook and follow Tom on Twitter