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Community champion to turn-on Banbury’s Xmas lights
05/11/2021
Prabhu Natarajan and his family will join Mayor Shaida Hussain as the town’s new lighting scheme is unveiled
Banbury will return to starting Christmas in style again this year with the Christmas Lights being turned on by a family who have spent the last year helping others.
Prabhu Natarajan, wife Shilpa and six-year-old son Addhu will join Banbury Town Mayor, Councillor Shaida Hussain, to press the big red button and illuminate the town on Sunday 28th November 2021. The switch-on event will be held outside the Town Hall.
Prabhu and his family were chosen to perform the switch-on after spending the months since they moved to Bretch Hill helping others.
Last year Mr and Mrs Natarajan spent their seventh wedding anniversary buying and donating parcels of fresh food to those in need in the community. After that Prabhu, helped by Addhu, delivered food parcels to those struggling through the pandemic and spent Easter dressed as the Easter bunny completing a walking challenge to raise £4,500 for local good causes.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson recognised Prabhu’s efforts to help the community and gave him a Points of Light award. In a letter to Prabhu Mr Johnson wrote: “Thank you for all that you have done over the last year to bring moments of happiness to the families of Banbury.
“You have single-handedly delivered over 11,000 treats to people across the town, which is a staggering achievement. You have delighted local children by doing your deliveries in superhero costume, but the true hero is you!”
Prabhu told Banbury FM: “Thank you God and the people of Banbury. This is a dream moment for us and a once in a lifetime chance.”
Cllr Hussain said: “It will be great to have the Christmas Lights Switch-on event back again after it was cancelled last year because of the virus.
“Prabhu is the perfect ‘local hero’ to have the honour of pressing the magic button.”
The afternoon of celebration will include fairground rides and hot food stands. Father Christmas will again welcome visitors to Santa’s grotto and choirs will sing to entertain those heading into town to join in with the festivities.
The light switch-on event will run through the afternoon. This year a brand new lighting scheme will be unveiled. The lights will be turned on at 5pm and be followed by a fireworks display.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam
Laura On 05/11/2021 at 11:56 am
What a well deserved honour. A little sign of acknowledgment for a man who selflessly helped others in such difficult times! Well done x
Tracey Cunnane On 06/11/2021 at 6:59 am
What a well deserved family to turn on the Banbury lights and a course a hero to the children makes us all blessed to know that there is special and wonderful kind people in our area x