Christmas arrives in Plymouth

Plymouth Loves Christmas and the festivities will begin this Thursday, starting with the anticipated Christmas lights switch-on, which thousands are expected to attend. 

Showcasing the new mesmerising gold and white lights with snow falling affect features, the countdown event will begin at 4pm on Thursday.

Everyone is invited to join celebrities and special guests for what will be an incredible evening of entertainment on the Piazza, managed by Heart FM South West.

The Hot Mustard Choir, a singing group from The Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre at Derriford Hospital, will kick the evening off in style with a number of songs. Patients and staff, ranging from 12 to 84 years, make up the choir.

Local artists Sophie Hambly (4.35pm), Jacob Hunt (4.55pm) and Martyn Crocker (5.15pm) will follow providing a selection of original and cover songs.

2013 X-Factor winner Sam Bailey is this year’s celebrity guest and will appear following an appearance by local personality John Allin (Birdman), Upon a Wish Characters including Seeping Beauty and the Ice Prince, and an official city welcome from Plymouth’s Lord Mayor.

The official countdown and switch-on of the Christmas lights will begin at approximately 6.25pm followed by more entertainment. Local indie/rock band Joker will be the final act of the evening and will appear on stage from 6.50pm till 8pm when the evening entertainment ends.