Festive fun at city’s Christmas Lights switch-on

The countdown to Christmas officially begins in Lincoln this Thursday when the city’s lights are switched on.

Organised by City of Lincoln Council the event will see the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Alan Briggs, switch on the lights, accompanied by the New Theatre Royal pantomime stars from this year’s production of Snow White. 

There will be a walking performance by an LED Dragon Streamer from 4pm until 4:30pm and Ady Lee will be providing entertainment performing stilt walking and juggling among the crowds.

At 4.30pm BBC Radio Lincolnshire DJ Ross Carrick will start warming up visitors with the a festive set before the main event on the main stage in front of the War Memorial with the official switch-on of the lights taking place at 7.10pm.

 The confirmed programme of events includes:

• 4. 30pm – BBC Radio Lincolnshire Christmas DJ set – Ross Carrick
• 5.50pm – BBC Radio Lincolnshire Breakfast Show presenter, Scott Dalton and Afternoon Show presenter, Richard Stead.
• 6pm – Cast Members of the University of Lincoln’s production of The Snow Queen
• 6.10pm – Scott Dalton and Richard Stead
• 6.15pm – Jodie State (Soloist)
• 6.25pm – Scott Dalton and Richard Stead
• 6.30pm – County Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Choir
• 6. 40pm – Scott Dalton and Richard Stead
• 6.50pm – The cast of Snow White, New Theatre Royal
• 7.00pm – Mayor and Civic Party on stage and Cllr Briggs delivers his Christmas Message
• 7.10pm – Lights Switched-on

Kate Fenn, Civic Manager and organiser of the Lincoln Christmas Light Switch-on said: “I'm looking forward to another fun-packed evening for one of our much-loved annual events. It will be filled with fantastic performances and entertainment; I can’t wait to see Lincoln’s city centre come alive with the spirit of the season.

 “The evening will culminate in a special moment as the Mayor of Lincoln lights up the city for 2024, marking the start of a festive season we hope everyone will enjoy.”

 Last year, City of Lincoln Council invested £140,000 in new lights and illuminations for the city with installations at Brayford Wharf, St Paul in the Bail, Steep Hill, Cornhill Quarter, and The Lawn. There will also be illuminations at Exchequer Gate and City Square and a Christmas tree in front of Lincoln Cathedral.

 The switch-on event will also kick off late-night shopping, with selected stores staying open until 8pm on December 5, 12 and 19 

 Visitors attending Switch-On on 28 November can enjoy free parking from 4pm to 9:30pm at Lincoln Central car park and all the council’s pay-and-display car parks when using the PayByPhone app.

 Free parking will also be available on each late-night shopping date during the same hours and the same rules apply to qualify for the free parking. At Lincoln Central car park, users simply need to follow the usual chip token process; if they park within the specified hours, the charge will automatically be set to £0.

Picture: Stuart Wilde