This week sees the return of Peterborough’s big live light switch on event in Cathedral Square.
On Friday November 19 the city’s real tree and a brand new set of illuminations will light up at a special live show hosted by PCRfm’s Kev Lawrence. He’ll be joined by stars from all of the city’s pantomimes and Father Christmas.
It’s great to see the live event return and promises a great night of festive fun culminating in the big countdown but we’re still being urged to stay safe at the event.
PCRfm Breakfast Show presenter Kev Lawrence will be on stage at the fun-filled family occasion on from 5pm to 7pm. Along with appearances by stars from this year’s Christmas pantomimes at The Cresset, Key Theatre and New Theatre there will also be performances from Courtney Pudney, Tommy Philpott, George Elliott and his band Upon This Rock, Cecil Farayi.
The main attraction will be the city's 40-foot Spruce Christmas tree, which will be colourfully lit up as part of the switch-on. We’ll also see new light displays across the city, including on the Guildhall, Town Hall and along the centre of Bridge Street.
The lights have been funded by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to help the city build back better following Covid-19. This year's switch-on is being supported by City Fibre, Princebuild and Vodafone.
Councillor Steve Allen, cabinet member for culture at Peterborough City Council, said: "We're delighted to be once again holding a Christmas lights switch on for city residents following a one-year break due to Covid-19. This year we have some new Christmas lights for you all to enjoy, along with plenty of entertainment before the big switch-on.
"We'd like to thank our sponsors and PCRfm for making the event possible and for adding plenty of festive sparkle. We hope you also find the time to do some Christmas shopping, visit our Christmas market and enjoy the many restaurants that Peterborough has to offer."
As Peterborough is now an Enhanced Response Area for Covid-19, we are still being strongly encouraged to do the following to minimise the spread of Covid-19 in the city:
Wear a face covering in crowded spaces - even outdoors
Get all Covid-19 and Flu vaccinations you are eligible for, as soon as possible, so that you can be protected when you attend
Complete a PCR test before attending the light switch on
Social distance from others outside your household where possible.
We'll see you there, but if you can't attend keep an eye out for all our coverage of the event on this site and our ESP socials.
Photo: Picture shows the Christmas lights from previous years in Peterborough, by Emma Bothamley for ESP Magazine