Bideford 2008 Switching on of the Christmas lights web video. Bideford’s Christmas light switch-on party has quickly evolved into a well-respected and anticipated family orientated event in the Bideford calendar. On average, they have an attendance of over fifteen thousand people who say hello to Father Christmas, stroke the reindeer, join in with all the fun; enjoy the atmosphere, the funfair, the foods-stalls and entertainment.