Festive fun returns to Chesterfield with annual Christmas Lights switch-on
The Christmas Lights Switch On in Chesterfield will take place on 20 November, and everyone is invited to join us.
Families are invited to watch the stage show in the Market Place from 3pm, but there is a range of entertainment to enjoy in the town centre ahead of this as listed below. The lights switch on itself is at 4.45pm.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Christmas lights switch on is one of my favourite events of the year. Residents and visitors will have lots to enjoy this year from meeting Shrek in Rykneld Square to seeing the live stage show, there is something to entertain everyone.”
The entertainment will be as follows – these acts will be performing at internals from lunchtime onwards:
- The Rose Choir will be performing outside the library
- You will be able to see the Phoenix Concert Band
- The Pantonic All Stars Steel Band will be performing on Burlington Street
- There will be walkabout entertainment around the market area including Band Beja, Glowbots, Carol Singing Christmas Crackers, The Greatest Showman Show, the Fairy Godmother and National ELF Service.
- In the Pavements Shopping Centre, you will be able to see the Victorian Carol Singers performing between Boots and W H Smith
- Outside Marks and Spencer visitors can meet Percy Pig
Chesterfield Museum
Chesterfield Museum will be offering a pop-up exhibit in the old Wards Shoe Shop (opposite Boots) where visitors can take part in Christmas crafts, Victorian games and handling objects from 10am – 4pm.
Crooked Spire Church
Visit St Mary and All Saints Church, otherwise known as the Crooked Spire, to see A Festival of Christmas Trees from 12pm – 5.30pm.
Stage entertainment
The stage show will start at 3pm and will include The Rose Choir (from Chesterfield Studios), the Carol Singing Christmas Crackers, Band Beja, and interviews with a Councillor and an independent trader.
There will be appearances from Santa, the Mayor and Mayoress and some of the Sleeping Beauty pantomime cast including a song by Olivia Bailey who plays Princess Aurora. The lights will be switched on at 4.45pm and then the crowd will be entertained by The Greatest Showman Show.
The entertainment programme is subject to change.
As one of our most popular events of the year, we expect a high footfall in the town centre so please allow plenty of time to both arrive and depart the event.
Tickets are now on sale to see Sleeping Beauty, this year’s pantomime, at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel Theatre. You can find out more and book tickets online.
Meet Shrek in Chesterfield
This year’s special guest, in Chesterfield to meet families ahead of the lights switch on, is Shrek.
Shrek will be making personal appearances at intervals between 12pm and 3pm outside the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square.
There is lots going on in Chesterfield throughout the festive season for everyone to enjoy, for more information visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/
