Sunderland Christmas Lights switch on to kick-off the festive season plans revealed
by Emily Gray · ChronicleLiveSunderland's countdown to Christmas is about to get underway, with plans announced for the big light switch-on.
A firm favourite in Sunderland's events calendar, preparations for the festive season kick off have been revealed, with the city's Christmas Switch On taking place in Keel Square on Thursday 21 November.
Promising to be a wonderful family event as the city comes together to start the celebrations and officially welcome the festive season - the switch-on is set to be filled with live music, Panto entertainment and radio stars all before the festive illuminations light up the city once again.
Entertainment will first get underway at 5.30pm, with the build-up of music starting to get everyone in the Christmas spirit as cartoon characters will be doing walkabouts. Everyone's favourite ogre, Shrek will also be putting in a special appearance, followed by panto stars from Jack and the Beanstalk before Santa, the main man himself, takes to the stage to join in the fun and games.
Sunderland City Council has announced the launch of this years festivities is supported by Sunderland BID and Hits Radio North East, formerly Metro Radio to launch Christmas in the City centre.
Popular breakfast show hosts from Hits Radio, Steve and Karen will take to the stage to get the party started from 6pm onwards, ready to provide a host of festive hits and sparkling entertainment.
There'll be competitions aplenty, including the chance to win tickets for this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk panto at the Sunderland Empire and Disney on Ice at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle.
The Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Allison Chisnall will then be joined by Steve and Karen, SAFC players and panto stars for the all important grand switch on at 7pm.
Councillor Chisnall, said: "Christmas is always such a special time of year. The annual Christmas Switch On marks start of the city's countdown to the big day and it's something that families from across Sunderland and beyond really look forward to each year.
"We've got a fantastic programme of entertainment lined up for this year's event and what better way to start the festive season."
To coincide with the Sunderland Christmas Light Switch On, The Fire Station is also launching FireSide, its new, free-to-enter festive marquee experience in front of The Fire Station building.
Offering a bar, food and cosy seating areas, this opens at 4pm on Thursday 21 November and runs through December. Visitors coming along to the switch on might also want to take advantage of some of the other fantastic restaurants and bars around Keel Square.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID), added: "The Christmas light switch on signals the start of a really important period for businesses in the city centre.
"There are so many great venues, wonderful retailers and fabulous events in the city centre that can be visited and enjoyed. We hope to see lots of people join us at the light switch on and then to come back and do their shopping and enjoy the season in the city."
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