More guests announced for Christmas lights switch on

Plymouth’s Miss Galaxy representative, Leah Dawes, popular band, JOKER, and Commonwealth diver, Matthew Dixon, are among those confirmed for Plymouth’s Christmas light’s switch-on this Thursday.

Starting at 4pm outside Drake Circus shopping centre, at the top of Cornwall Street, the entertainment line-up has been confirmed.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Pete Smith said: “The Christmas lights switch-on is one of those events that people look forward to all year round. We have some excellent, world-class local talent and it’s great to be able to get them involved.”

Widey Court Primary choir and St. Andrews CE primary clarinet group will be the first acts of the evening followed by a soul and indie set by local singer/songwriter Harriet Jones at 4.30pm. Devon based clowns, La Navet Bete, who are starring in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at the Barbican Theatre, will appear at 4.50pm

Leah Dawes, Plymouth’s very own Miss Galaxy representative will take to the stage at 5pm for a short chat with Heart FM, the radio station managing the stage on the night.

Performances from local artists Chay Snowden and Alice Gullick will follow before popular band JOKER take to the stage for a 30 minute set at 5.25pm and R&B band Damage at 6pm.

The countdown to the lights will begin at approximately 6.20pm when several guests will be welcomed by Plymouth’s Lord Mayor. These guests include Plymouth’s pantomime star, Chico and Commonwealth athletes and divers Rory Warlow, Victoria Vincent and Matthew Dixon. Diving coach Andy Banks will also be among the guests.

Crowds will be able to join in the countdown before the lights are switched-on just before 6.30pm.

The entertainment will continue until 8pm with performances from the Music of the Night Choral Choir and the Rock Choir.

In addition, the Stiltskin Creative Arts and Theatre Company and local school children will walk through the city in a lantern parade leaving Plymouth Guildhall at 6.40pm.

This festival of lights will see a dazzling lantern parade pass through the city, with some carrying giant and animated lanterns.

The parade will leave Plymouth Guildhall and process down to Derry’s roundabout and back up Royal Parade and turning onto Armada Way walking past the ice rink which is one of the many Christmas features in the city centre. Others include Santa’s Grotto, operated by Ice Angels, the popular snow globe and lit up bubble tree at Place de Brest.

During the parade there will be temporary road closures on New George Street, from the junction of Old Town Street to the House of Fraser car park, and on Royal Parade between the junctions of Derry’s and St. Andrew’s roundabouts.

Deputy Leader, Pete Smith continued: “Once the lights are on the real countdown to Christmas begins – with only six late night Thursdays for Christmas shopping.”

The Christmas lights switch-on is the first event of the Plymouth Loves Christmas campaign and Christmas late night shopping. More information about what Plymouth has to offer this Christmas go to www.visitplymouth.co.uk/Christmas.