Lincoln's Festive Frenzy: Christmas Light Switch-on
The forthcoming Lincoln Christmas Light Switch-on event aims to ignite the city's festive cheer. The programme for the festivities, which will occur on Thursday, November 23, was recently made known to the public.
The Programme
Commencing at 4pm, the chiefly evening event will contain an array of entertainment on the High Street. The merriment will feature festive songs, DJ sets, stilt-walkers, and even a special performance from the cast of New Theatre Royal's Christmas pantomime 'Aladdin'. The lights will be brought to life by Mayor of Lincoln Councillor Biff Bean, Mayoress Wendy Bean, City Sheriff Councillor Neil Murray, and the Sherriff's Lady Dorinda Hudson. They'll be joined by pantomime guests and media collaborator, BBC Radio Lincolnshire.
Celebrity Attendees
This year, Olympic Gold medallist and Strictly Come Dancing Champion Louis Smith MBE and Strictly professional Ian Waite are expected to be present. Also joining them will be Roger Wright, a West End star, who will enact the Genie of the Lamp in this year's 'Aladdin' panto. The gathering will also feature Sam Bickmore, a local drummer, and Christmas music from the County Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (CAODS), fresh from their run of 'Elf the Musical' at the New Theatre Royal.
The Switch-on Line-up
"This event attracts thousands of people every year and we look forward to a great evening’s entertainment." - Kate Fenn, Civic & International Partnerships Manager at City of Lincoln Council
- 4.30 pm: BBC Lincolnshire’s DJ (Charlie Burley)
- 6.00 pm: Sam Bickmore (Drummer)
- 6.10pm: Introductions by BBC Radio
- 6.15 pm: CAODS performance from ELF
- 6.30 pm: BBC Lincolnshire’s Scott and Fran
- 6.40 pm: Performance from the cast of ‘Aladdin’ – New Theatre Royal
- 6.55 pm: A Christmas message from the Mayor of Lincoln
- 7pm - 7.05 pm: The Grand Switch-on
- 7.05pm - 7.20pm: DJ set
The City of Lincoln Council has invested over £140,000 on new lighting which will stretch from Newport Arch down to St Mark's Street, featuring a fairy-light display within Exchequer Gate Arch and a 16m illuminated comet in City Square. Additional parking will be available for free from 4pm to 9:30 pm in any downhill City of Lincoln Council car park.
"The city has some fantastic, brand new lights this year and I’m thrilled to be switching them on and lighting up Lincoln." - Councillor Biff Bean, Mayor of Lincoln