Leicester Christmas lights switch-on - everything you need to know

If you’ve been in town recently you will have noticed it’s all starting to look a bit festive. The Christmas tree is up at the Clock Tower and decorations are being hung up all over the city centre in anticipation of the big switch-on this week.

Below we’ve put a quick guide together telling you all you need to know about the 2019 Christmas lights switch-on in Leicester…

When are the Christmas light’s switched on in Leicester?

The lights are being switched-on on Thursday 21 November 2019.

The whole event will take place from 5pm to 8pm, with the Christmas lights expected to be switched on at 6.30pm.

Who is switching the lights on?

This year the lights will be switched on by the Lord Mayor Councillor Annette Byrne, who will be joined on the stage by Blue singer Antony Costa and BBC Radio Leicester’s afternoon show presenter Martin Ballard – both of whom are starring in this year’s De Montfort Hall panto, Aladdin.

BBC Radio Leicester’s drive show presenters Jimmy Carpenter and Summaya Mughal will be compering the event.

Antony Costa and Martin Ballard in Aladdin Credit: http://demontforthall.co.uk/

Where are the lights being switched on from?

The main event will be taking place at Humberstone Gate.

From 5pm on Thursday there will be a performance by the dance group Studio 79 and music from 4 Avenue, Gareth John and The Platforms. There will also be a song from Antony Costa prior to the big switch on.

What’s happening in Town Hall Square?

From 5pm in Town Hall Square there will be brass bands playing, and visitors will also be able to see the traditional nativity scene and animated Woodland Tales display.

Where is ‘Elf’ being screened?

If you’re able to get into town a little bit earlier, there is an outdoor screening of the Christmas film Elf in New Market Square, which will start at 4.30pm on Thursday.

New Market Square will be hosting a special Christmas Canteen all day from 10.30am, where food and drinks will be available from special stalls to help get you in the Christmas spirit.