City of Lincoln Council’s Civic Party, along with special celebrity guests, is gearing up to welcome the festive season with its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event, taking place on 28 November.
The High Street’s Christmas lights will officially be switched on by the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Alan Briggs, accompanied by the New Theatre Royal 2024 Pantomime stars and celebrities, starring in this year’s production of ‘Snow White’.
Organised by the City of Lincoln Council, the event and Civic Ceremony will be supported by BBC Lincolnshire, the New Theatre Royal and hosted by BBC Lincolnshire presenters Scott Dalton and Richard Stead.
The festivities will begin at 4:30pm on Lincoln High Street with a DJ set from BBC Radio DJ Ross Carrick, followed by a variety of acts that are sure to entertain audiences and build anticipation as the city prepares for the big moment.
Visitors can also enjoy a walking performance by an LED Dragon Streamer from 4pm until 4:30pm. Ady Lee will provide entertainment prior to the switch-on, performing stilt walking and juggling amongst the crowds.
The main stage will be in front of the War Memorial with the official switch-on of the lights taking place at 7:10pm, marking the start of a spectacular evening filled with entertainment, music, and seasonal cheer.
The confirmed programme of events includes:
- 4:30pm – BBC Radio Lincolnshire Christmas DJ set – Ross Carrick
- 5:50pm – BBC Radio Lincolnshire Presenters:
- From the Breakfast Show, Presenter, Scott Dalton
- From the Afternoon Show, Presenter, Richard Stead
- 6:00pm – Cast Members of the University of Lincoln’s production of ‘The Snow Queen’
- 6:10pm – BBC Radio Lincolnshire Presenters – Scott Dalton and Richard Stead
- 6:15pm – Jodie State (Soloist)
- 6:25pm – BBC Radio Lincolnshire Presenters – Scott Dalton and Richard Stead
- 6:30pm – County Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Choir
- 6:40pm – BBC Radio Lincolnshire Presenters – Scott Dalton and Richard Stead
- 6:50pm – The cast of ‘Snow White’ – New Theatre Royal
- 7:00pm – Mayor and Civic Party to enter the stage
- Mayor to deliver his Christmas Message
- 7:10pm – Lights Switched-on
Kate Fenn, City of Lincoln Council’s Civic Manager and Event Organiser for 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 brand-new lights and illuminations for the city, promising an even more magical experience for residents and visitors alike.
This year’s Christmas lights and illuminations will span several iconic locations across the city centre, transforming Lincoln into a winter wonderland.
There will be light 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 5 December, 12 December, and 19 December in the lead-up to Christmas, giving people more time to shop for holiday gifts while admiring the lights that illuminate the city.
Visitors attending the Lincoln Christmas Lights Switch-On on 28 November can enjoy free parking from 4:00pm to 9:30pm at Lincoln Central car park and all City of Lincoln Council 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 quality 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.
For PayByPhone users in council car parks, the app process remains the same: enter your vehicle registration as usual, and if parking between 4:00pm and 9:30pm, no charge will apply.
Carrying on the festivities, the Lincoln Ice Adventure is set to take place on 7 and 8 December. This event will see the city transform into a winter wonderland, allowing visitors to partake in an exciting adventure following a magical story that reveals how Santa came to be stuck in Lincoln.
Organised by City of Lincoln Council’s Events in Lincoln team, families can discover clues to help Santa complete his journey in time for Christmas by finding each of the 16 intricately designed ice sculptures, produced by Ice Box, spread across the city centre.
On the night of the Christmas Lights Switch-on, visitors will get an exclusive preview of the upcoming event. A stunning ice sculpture, in the form of the Lincoln Ice Adventure logo, will be on display in City Square, offering a glimpse of the artistry and magic to come.
So, mark your calendars for 28 November to kick-start the city’s Christmas activities and come experience the city in all its festive glory, with sparkling lights, exciting performances, and the joy of the season.