The big Christmas lights switch-on event is back with a full stage show in the city centre on Friday November 19.
PCRfm Breakfast Show presenter Kev Lawrence will be the host on stage from 5pm to 7pm joined by the 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 plus Peterborough City Council Mayor Councillor Stephen Lane, the Peterborough Cathedral Choir and an appearance from Father Christmas himself.
However, 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.
This year will see new light displays across the city, including on the Guild Hall, 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."
We mustn’t forget though that Peterborough is now an Enhanced Response Area for Covid-19, so if you plan to attend you are strongly encouraged to make sure you keep yourself and others safe.
· 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
· Social distance from others outside your household where possible.
Photo of previous Christmas lights: Emma Bothamley for ESP Magazine