Twins to switch on Loughborough's Christmas Lights

Katie and Emelia Corns have been chosen to help Fosse 107 and Charnwood Borough Council switch on the Christmas Lights on Sunday (20 Nov).

The sisters, who both attend St Mary's Primary School in Loughborough, will press the plunger in front of thousands at the annual event on Sunday 20th November in Market Place to officially signal the start of the Christmas celebrations across Charnwood Borough. 

The nine year old sisters stood out to the competition judges for their story about how they have faced adversity in their young lives.

They were both born with a type of short limbed dwarfism called achondroplasia but they strive to do so much for charity and are always trying to help others.

Last year, they raised over £1,000 for the Dwarf Sports Association by taking on a sponsored swim and take part in the National Dwarf Games in Birmingham each year.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough, was part of the judging panel for Light up Loughborough.

Cllr Bokor, said: “I want to thank everyone for their entries into the Light up Loughborough competition this year. It was an absolute pleasure to read so many inspirational stories about children across Charnwood and it was incredibly difficult to make a final decision. Katie and Emelia have faced so much in their lives but they are always thinking of others and trying to help, despite their own challenges. We felt they were very deserving to switch on the town’s lights."

The twins’ mum, Jenny Corns, explained in the nomination that they “took everything in their stride when our lives revolved around the hospital” and “despite what they go through every day they always have a huge smile on their faces and try to help others at every opportunity.”

Fosse 107 went along to Katie and Emelia's school on Friday 11th November to surprise the girls with the news that they had won the competition. 

The sisters have also won a family ticket to this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty at Loughborough Town Hall and a £50 Love Loughborough voucher.

The Christmas lights will be switched on in Loughborough on Sunday November 20 which will be a day of festive fun.

The Market Place will host a wide range of stalls, food and drink stands and fairground rides from 11am and then from 1pm, a host of talented performers will be appearing on the main stage to entertain the crowds introduced by Fosse 107. 

The lights will then be switched on at 5pm by Katie and Emelia. 

You can find out more about the lights switch-on here: www.charnwood.gov.uk/lborolights