Two local heroes have been nominated to turn on the Newmarket Christmas Lights for 2022. We say two, but in actual fact, this year one of our heroes will be joined by her canine companion live on stage.
Tess Eagle Swan and her four-legged friend Kratu received numerous nominations in the search for this year’s heroes. Conducted by Love Newmarket, the search asked for nominations online, with several pointing to the duo claiming they have positively impacted people locally and all over the world.
Kratu, an assistance dog trained by Tess, is a rescue dog from Romania who now resides here in Suffolk. Tess is autistic and has developed a fantastic relationship with Kratu giving him agility training through reward basis training.
Shooting to fame after a performance at Crufts went viral across social media, Kratu has been named a ‘Social Media Superstar’ by the Mirror’s People Pet Awards in 2021 and has since gone on to become an Ambassador and attendee for APDAWG (All Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group) in The House Of Commons.
Working together Kratu and Tess spread joy and cheer wherever they go with many nominations stating they were inspiration in their approach to life. Working as a therapy dog for Kettlefields, Kratu and Tess continually look to raise awareness of autism, ADHA and mental health.
Also joining Tess and Kratu on stage is our second nominated hero, Alex Dugeon. A 16 year old boy who goes above and beyond in his mission to bring festive cheer to the town, Alex has for many years created his own Christmas Lights display, raising money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance in the process.
Purchasing an installing all the lights himself, he is a testament to both Newmarket and the festive spirit needed this time of year. The displays have bought so much joy to passersby, and his dedication and commitment to the task has certainly not gone unnoticed.
The Newmarket Lights Switch On will take place on Friday 18th November from 5pm. The High Street will be adorned in fun fare rides, local eateries and a meet and greet with Elsa, with performances on stage from local schools, musicians, Star Radio and dancers.
The lights will be turned on at 7pm by these two wonderful heroes, so we hope you’ll join us to start the festive season together.
This year’s Lights Switch On, organised by Love Newmarket, has been kindly sponsored by Tattersalls, The Jockey Club Estates and Newmarket Town Council.
