Festival Stage Takeover Lights Up Christmas Switch-On

Rounding off a year-long programme celebrating and supporting the arts locally, the Maidenhead Festival Stage Takeover brought an unforgettable burst of festive cheer, live performance, and community spirit to the Maidenhead Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 22nd November.

Across two vibrant stages, the Christmas Market Stage inside the Desborough Theatre, and the Main Outdoor Stage, audiences were treated to a packed programme of acoustic sets, choirs, pop-punk bands, dance groups, and performing arts schools. From morning through to the big switch-on at 6pm, Maidenhead was alive with music, movement and magic.

“The Stage Takeover is all about giving local performers, from students to rising bands, an incredible platform,” said Lisa Hunter, Chairman of Maidenhead Festival. “Seeing the talent, energy and community pride on display was the perfect finale to our year of supporting the Arts.”

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🎄 Christmas Market Stage – Inside the Desborough Theatre
Visitors browsing the Christmas Market were treated to a rich mix of local musical talent. Trinity Theatre Arts, opened the stage, delivering a confident and charismatic performance from their young stars. They were followed by the ever-popular Rock Choir, who celebrated 16 years of community singing with uplifting pop, rock and Motown favourites.

Helena took to the stage next, stunning the crowd with her powerhouse vocals and theatrical flair. Twyford-based acapella group Avenue delivered creative and high-energy arrangements of Christmas hits, before the Vandy Trio impressed with polished acoustic covers. Bringing a burst of fun and confidence, the Tuneless Choir encouraged everyone to “sing like no one is listening,” spreading laughter and joy throughout the theatre.

Later in the afternoon, Dance Inspired showcased dynamic street and contemporary dance routines from their talented students. The Christmas Market Stage closed with a powerful performance from Sing 4 You Choir, who brought heartfelt harmonies and community pride.

🎤 Main Stage – The Big Afternoon Build-Up
From 2pm, the Main Stage shone bright in the build-up to the Christmas Lights Switch-On. Millenium, an energetic pop-punk and emo cover band kicked things off and had the crowd singing along, despite the rain!

Next up, The Courtlands Stories, winners of the very first Battle of the Bands in 2023, delivered warm, nostalgic covers in their signature indie-pop-folk style. Acoustic singer-songwriter Tara Deane captivated the audience with heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies that champion the vibrant local music scene.

⭐ A Spotlight on Our Battle of the Bands Winners: Something Stupid
One of the standout moments of the day came at 4.50pm when Something Stupid, winners of the 2025 Maidenhead Festival Battle of the Bands, took to the Main Stage.

Formed at Burnham Grammar School, this talented four-piece—Logan Reid, Haydn Juliff, Oliver Gratrick, and Freddie Braithwaite—delivered a high-voltage set of original rock/punk/metal tracks and crowd-pleasing covers. Their performance was part of their winners’ prize, and they did not disappoint.

Dynamic, bold, and bursting with youthful energy, Something Stupid proved exactly why they claimed the Battle of the Bands title—and why they’re a band to watch in 2026 and beyond.

Just before the town was illuminated, audiences were treated to festive fun from the Maidenhead Panto cast, promoting this year’s production of Snow White at the Baylis Theatre. Maidenhead Drama Guild also took to the stage, offering a taste of their upcoming Robin Hood pantomime at Norden Farm. Norden Farm Arts Centre added a touch of magic with highlights from their Christmas show, The Comet, while our Competition Winner brought extra sparkle to the celebrations.

At 6pm, the countdown began—and with a cheer from the crowd, Maidenhead’s Christmas lights illuminated the town centre. Fireworks lit up the sky before Hudson's Choice closed the celebrations with an explosive final set.
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Lisa Hunter, commented "This year’s Stage Takeover was a true showcase of what makes Maidenhead special: creativity, community and a passion for the performing arts. From young students to established musicians, from choirs to rock bands, every performer brought something unique, and together, they made this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On one to remember."