Leicester Prepares for Four Festive Light Switch-On Events

Leicester is set to initiate its Christmas celebrations with a series of four festive light switch-on events. The primary illumination in the city centre is scheduled for 18:30 GMT on Wednesday, drawing crowds to the Clock Tower. Following this, a marching band will guide attendees through the Haymarket, Highcross, and ultimately to St Martin’s Square, where individual Christmas light installations will be activated sequentially. Additionally, the celebratory events will feature vibrant Christmas characters circulating through the streets, various musical acts, an ice rink, and a wheel of light situated in Jubilee Square. A festive market will be available in Gallowtree Gate, complemented by artificial snow at St Peter’s Square. Vi Dempster, the assistant city mayor for culture, commented on the occasion, stating: “Thousands of people flock into the city centre for our switch-on event, and we look forward to welcoming everyone. “There’s lots going on throughout the festive season for visitors to Leicester.” The celebrations are scheduled to commence with the opening of the Christmas market in Gallowtree Gate at 10:00. This will be succeeded by a funfair in Humberstone Gate, operating from 12:00 until 21:00. Events will then shift to the Haymarket starting at 16:00, featuring an appearance by Father Christmas and stilt walkers. Musical entertainment will be provided by reggae singer Tanni Browne, the Pasic Musical Village Choir, and the Leicester Central Pathfinders Drum Core, alongside dance performances from the Akshara Group and Sensational Vibes. Subsequently, BBC Radio Leicester presenter Ady Dayman will host the events near the Clock Tower from 17:00, joined by The Apprentice contestant Virdi Mazaria, who will be present on the Haymarket balcony. Divina De Campo, a runner-up from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Leicester panto dame Jack Ballard are slated to appear on the balcony to assist in activating the city centre’s street displays, which comprise over 16,000 LED lights, in conjunction with the 15-meter Christmas tree. Meanwhile, Town Hall Square will host performances by brass bands and choirs amidst traditional trees and a nativity scene, continuing until 20:00. At Jubilee Square, the 35-meter-high Wheel of Light will operate until 21:00, and the funfair located in Humberstone Gate is also scheduled to stay open until the same time. For updates, follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s approach to external linking is available.