Thousands expected at Sheffield Christmas lights switch-on

Music, lights and festive sparkle are to take over Sheffield city centre for the annual Christmas lights switch-on.
Last year's switch-on event. Photo: Glenn AshleyLast year's switch-on event. Photo: Glenn Ashley
Last year's switch-on event. Photo: Glenn Ashley

Festive entertainment will begin at 2pm on Sunday before the lights are switched-on at 5.30pm by soon-to-be-revealed famous faces n the Peace Gardens.

Musicians, choirs, street entertainers, children’s characters and pantomime performers starring in this year’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at the Lyceum Theatre will be entertaining crowds around the city centre throughout the afternoon.

Map of what's going on this year.Map of what's going on this year.
Map of what's going on this year.
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Christmas crafts will be taking place in the Winter Garden and children will also be able to follow an elf trail, before meeting Father Christmas in his Grotto on Fargate.

Families can also take a ride on a fire engine and play on the National Emergency Services Museum’s display of emergency vehicles as the museum goes “on tour” for the day.

Coun Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure at Sheffield Council, said: “Christmas is a special time of year and we have plenty of festive cheer on offer for people of all ages. Last year thousands came out to enjoy Sheffield’s celebrations and I hope that families will come along again to enjoy this year’s Christmas light switch on.

“But, people won’t have to wait for the big switch to get in to the Christmas spirit, the Christmas market opens a week earlier, with a huge choice of seasonal goodies and unusual gifts on offer. And, once the shopping’s done the Sleigh Bar on Fargate and brand new Thor’s Tipi in the Peace Gardens will give a warm and cosy welcome to all our city centre visitors.”

Map of what's going on this year.Map of what's going on this year.
Map of what's going on this year.
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This year’s Christmas market has opened today, housed in traditional wooden cabins along Fargate.

As well as independent traders from across the UK and Europe selling a variety of gifts, jewellery, crafts and fresh produce, there will be refreshment stalls selling hot food and drinks, including the annual Sleigh Bar.

The market runs from 10am to 6pm daily throughout November. In December, the market will also be open until 8pm each Wednesday.

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