The city’s Christmas Lights Switch-On returns to Keel Square
A night of sparkle, music and magic will kick off the festive season in style in Sunderland.
The city’s Grand Christmas Lights Switch-On returns to Keel Square from 5.30pm on Thursday 13 November.
Hosted by Nation Radio’s Simon Grundy and Dave Sherwood, the evening will be packed with live entertainment, festive cheer and a special visit from Father Christmas himself.
Expect live music and special guests ahead of the countdown to the big switch-on at 7pm, hosted in partnership with the City Council’s Official Media Partner, Nation Radio.
Panto stars from Sleeping Beauty at the Sunderland Empire will join the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque and Santa to officially get Christmas underway by turning on the Christmas lights.
Disney Characters – Mickey and the Gang, Elphaba and Glinda characters from Wicked and the Grinch & Cindy Lou will also be helping everyone to get in the Christmas spirit.
At the heart of the event, Keel Square’s Expo Sunderland Pavilion Christmas window – featuring a beautifully crafted winter scene complete with sparkling, snowy fir trees and a fairytale carriage ready to whisk dancers off to a winter ball – will provide the perfect backdrop for festive family selfies ahead of the Christmas countdown.
The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque, said: “The Christmas Switch-On is always a really special night. It marks the start of the festive season which is such a special time of year and I know it’s and event that families look forward to.
“It’s great to have stars from this year’s Sunderland Empire’s panto joining us on the night and I hope everyone is going to enjoy the Christmas window in the Expo Pavilion which promises to be an especially magical addition to this year’s switch-on. I’d urge everyone to come along and bring your friends and family and help light up Sunderland together. We’ve also got an exciting Winter Programme planned in the run up to our double fireworks extravaganza on New Year’s Eve so it’s worth looking out for more details coming soon.”
Ahead of the switch-on there’s the chance to explore the Riverside Sunderland Christmas Market at City Hall and the Beam from 1pm to 6pm – perfect for picking up unique gifts, festive food and warming drinks, while the Salvation Army will be bringing the festive cheer into Keel Square from 5.30pm, before Simon and Dave take to the stage at 6pm.
There’ll also be a small fairground on High Street West.
This year’s event has been organised by Sunderland City Council and is proudly supported by Nation Radio North East, Sunderland BID, and Everyone Active.