For many people, Christmas shopping doesn’t actually begin until town centres and high street shops alike are glowing with festive lights. The turning on of these lights is all part of the attraction, but when and where are this year’s Christmas lights switch on’s happening and what can we expect to see?
These types of events usually attract celebrities to do the honour of turning on a certain towns Christmas lights. Frequently X factor guests are keen favourites to attend, but this year, can we expect to see other people we have grown to love this year, such as Olympic and Paralympic medal winners?
Christmas lights switch on’s: Where and when?
Just about every town centre has some sort of festive light show going on. But here a few that have caught our eye:
- Belfast – takes place on Saturday 17th November at 6.45pm at the City Hall. The Lord Mayor will be switching on the city lights, followed by an evening of entertainment by the local radio station and a youth choir. For the children, ZingZillas from CBeebies will be there.
- Derby – also takes place on Saturday 17th November at 6pm at the Market Place. Music and performers will start from 3.30pm hosted by a local radio station. A parade will begin at 4.15pm, which will include a variety of celebrities from Eastenders and Gavin & Stacey. X factor’s Carolynne Poole will also be performing and will join the mayor on stage to turn on the Christmas lights.
- Cambridge – takes place on Sunday 18th November at 5pm in Market Square. The local council isn’t giving much away, but they did expect a day of entertainment which all the family can enjoy.
- Sheffield – also takes place on Sunday 18th November at 5pm in Barkers Pool. A special guest is to join the Lord Mayor to turn on the lights – wouldn’t it be great if it was Sheffield’s Olympic gold medal winner, Jessica Ennis. Just around the corner, the Winter Gardens will be converted into an enchanted forest with grottos, craft activities, storytelling and entertainment. Nearby there will also be a fairground. Towards the end of the evening the main stage will showcase a line-up of popular artists courtesy of a local radio station.
- Aberdeen – takes place on Sunday 25th November at around 5.30pm on Union Street. Aberdeen is not turning on its lights like other cities. Instead they are having a parade and will turn on each light individually as they get to them. The theme for the parade is Victorian and will feature bands, drummers and carol singers.
So, no matter where you watch the Christmas light switch on, it is sure to be a memorable occasion for both adults and children alike.
Photo by Sebastian Dooris
