Huge festive crowds celebrate Christmas lights switch-on at Sheffield's Fox Valley Shopping Centre

It may have come few days late thanks to Storm Claudia, but Fox Valley Shopping Centre drew the crowds on Sunday. November 16.

The north Sheffield outdoor mall was packed for an afternoon of festive entertainment, food, and community celebration.

The event was postponed from its original date on Friday due to the downpour brought on by Storm Claudia.

Now, Fox Valley says the postponed event was one of their most successful switch-on nights it’s ever had.

The festive market, running from 2pm–6pm, featured more than 30 talented traders offering handmade gifts, crafts and food-to-go. Crowds enjoyed treats from L’Taurusweet, The Taco Trailer, Greedy Greek Deli, Istabul’s Kitchen, Nelly’s Fudge, Bradfield Brewery, Fancy Filly Bar, Mangiamo Street Kitchen and King Floss, alongside gifting favourites Rose Designs, Gifts of Love and Merry & Bright.

Live entertainment began on the performance area with shows from Dance Dynamique and Branching Out Dancing, followed by a live music set from Graham Lindley ahead of the big moment.

At 4:30pm, the crowd gathered for the highlight of the afternoon with the official lights switch-on.

A ‘Community Champion’ put forward by event sponsor Bloor Homes, Leah Walton, took to the performance area to lead the countdown and illuminate Fox Valley’s stunning festive display.

At just 13, Leah has already raised over £60,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity and Solving Kids Cancer, a truly remarkable achievement and a worthy winner of the search for a Bloor Community Champion.

The switch-on revealed the centre’s spectacular decorations, including the towering 8-metre reindeer, traditional Christmas tree and twinkling lights throughout the centre. The magical moment was followed by a high-energy performance from the internationally renowned Spark! drummers, who lit up the evening with their illuminated show.

Claire Biltcliffe, Centre Manager at Fox Valley, said: “After Storm Claudia forced us to postpone on Friday, we were absolutely thrilled to welcome such a fantastic turnout on Sunday. The atmosphere was incredible - our visitors truly brought the festive spirit with them.

“From our wonderful entertainers to the dazzling Spark! drummers and our inspiring Community Champion Leah Walton, it was a truly special event. We’re hugely grateful to Bloor Homes for their continued support in helping us create such memorable moments for our community.”

Jane Jubb, representing Bloor Homes at Wharncliffe Park in Deepcar, said: “It was an honour to support this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On and to join Leah in leading such a joyful countdown. Seeing so many people come together after the rescheduled date really shows the strength and spirit of this community. We’re proud to be part of it as we continue developing Wharncliffe Park.”

With festive stalls, children’s rides, face painting, live entertainment and late-night shopping, the event marked the perfect start to the Christmas season at Fox Valley.

Visitors are encouraged to check the Fox Valley website for upcoming festive events throughout December.