Preston is set to be ‘lit up’ during the glittering Christmas Lights Switch On, on
Saturday 23rd November from 5.30pm.
The city centre lighting scheme, funded by city centre businesses via the BID and
Preston City Council, will span more than 1.5 miles and feature hundreds of thousands
of super-bright LED bulbs which are 70% more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.
The Flag Market is once again expected to be packed with thousands of people as the
city officially starts its countdown to Christmas.
The event, funded by city centre businesses and organised by the BID, is being staged
in partnership with Smooth Radio North West – the region’s largest commercial radio
station.
Featuring a packed bill of performers, the event will include something for all the family
before the switching on of the lights at around 7.45pm.
Mark Whittle from Preston BID said: “The Switch On is the city’s biggest free family
show attracting thousands of people very year.
“Thanks to our partners and sponsors this year’s event is set to be even better with
some great live performers lining up for the show – everyone’s invited; we look forward
to seeing thousands of people making their way to the city centre and helping us
launch Christmas in the Preston”.
The show will include a performance from ‘Boyz on Block’, a band fused together with
leading members of some of the 90’s and 00’s biggest boy bands.
With a collective fifteen number ones and having sold more than 30million records,
Boyz On Block will perform some of the biggest hits from their respective bands, Five
Another Level, Phats and Small and Boyzone.
The stage show will also feature a vocal performance, from Chloe Rose. Chloe is
singer, ‘Tik Tok’ star and influencer with an online following close to 5million.
Younger members of the family will have the chance to enjoy a ‘live’ stage-
performance from superheroes Catboy, Owlette and Gekko, stars of the hit PJ Mask series.
Local signed singer songwriter Harvey Brittain and his band will join the line-up which
will also feature a upbeat set from ‘Ska Face’ a ten-piece ska and two-tone band from
the county. Organisers have also confirmed there’s one more surprise still to come!
Group Programme Director of Smooth Radio North West, Jamie Griffiths, said: “We
are so excited to turn on Preston’s lights with a soulful evening of festive fun.
“The Christmas lights switch-on is always a huge event in Preston, attracting
thousands to the city. Thank you to the people of Preston for continuing to tune into
their favourite relaxing music mix as we celebrate another year as the region’s biggest
commercial radio station.”
The event is sponsored by The Fishergate Shopping Centre, Preston’s College, St
George’s Shopping Centre, The Walker Williams Group and Walton’s Coach Hire.
Characters from PJ Masks will also be making an appearance in The Fishergate
Centre and St George’s Shopping Centre on the day of the event.
