It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Preston’s Christmas Lights Switch On is set to be a Christmas cracker this year!

The event – staged by the city’s Business Improvement District (BID) and Smooth Radio North West - is partnered by Preston City Council, The Street Monkeys, and leading regional supermarket, Booths.

The Switch On event is a firm fixture in the family diary, officially welcoming in the festive season in Preston, and is set to light up the city on 23rd November from 5.30pm.

Once again, thousands of people, of all ages, are expected to gather at the city’s Flag Market to enjoy a free evening of live performances before the city centre gets illuminated.

 

This year’s line-up includes legendary band, ‘The Drifters’, ‘Clubland Reborn’, America’s Got Talent’s ‘Ryland Petty’, ‘Do It Like Dua’, ‘Heatwave’s - Roy Carter’, Preston’s ‘Kimberley Fox’’, Halfmark’, and Corrie favourite ‘Mikey North’ (AKA Gary Windass).

Plus, there’ll be an appearance from the ever-popular, if not slightly mischievous ‘Grinch’, ‘The Spud Bros.’, and of course, ‘Santa’!

 

The Drifters, appearing at the event as part of their huge UK tour, are an iconic group, having delivered numerous hits on both sides of the Atlantic.

The band has been inducted into the 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame', performed for Presidents of the United States of America, and are ranked by 'Rolling Stone Magazine' as one of top 100 'Greatest of All Time' bands. Don’t miss their performance of classics including ‘Saturday Night at the Movies', ‘You’re ‘More Than a Number,’ ‘Kissin’ In The Back Row’, and more.

‘Do It Like Dua’ is the UK’s most authentic recreation of one of the world’s biggest female pop sensations – Dua Lipa, performed by Courtnay Reddy. Her performance is packed with Dua’s biggest hits such as ‘Levitating’, ‘Dance The Night’, and ‘Don’t Start Now’ in a show that expertly replicates iconic performances by the pop superstar in every possible way.

‘Ryland Petty’ is the youngest professional magician in the world. At the age of 10 he auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent and received a standing ovation from all four judges, and the entire audience. Simon Cowell said that Ryland was “one of the best magic acts ever to appear on BGT”. Ryland also performed at the America's Got Talent semi-final, with his mind-blowing stage performance once again bringing the entire audience to their feet.

Bringing some energy to the event, is ‘Clubland Reborn’ the UK's only Clubland live band, who are blowing away nationwide audiences with their exciting and unforgettable live shows.

Delivering nostalgia, they’ll take you back to a time when dance music provided incredible energy, and the feel-good factor – they’re guaranteed to make you smile and move!

At just 17-18 years old, ‘Halfmark’ are already making positive waves in the industry.  Currently working Conor Butler, a creative force behind huge musicians, they have just mastered their latest record, 'Somewhere Or Other', produced by Sony Music.

Roy Carter has had an impressive career in the music world, including stints with ‘The Foundations’ and ‘Stylistics’. He is best known as a guitarist and vocalist with Grammy nominated and multi-million selling group, ‘Heatwave’, responsible for hits including the classic ‘Boogie Nights’, ‘Always & Forever’ and ‘The Groove Line’.

Corrie fan-favourite, Mikey North, has been a regular on the cobbles since 2008, being central to some of the soap’s biggest storylines.

Performances will be signed by a BSL Interpreter, kindly provided by Disability Equality North West.

Mark Whittle for Preston BID said: “The Switch On is a highlight for many people – once again, we can’t wait to bring in the Christmas period with them on November 23rd.

“This year’s event will once again deliver an eclectic mix of performers and special guests for all the family, creating an opportunity to get together, celebrate, and support city centre businesses at this important time of year.”

Jamie Griffiths, Content Director for Smooth Radio North West said: "Once again we're proud to be kickstarting the festive season with this annual celebration, packed with talent and great entertainment in the heart of Preston."

Helen Clarke, Marketing Manager for Booths said: “We are proud to support this wonderfully festive event for the community, within the heartland of Booths Country. It’s set to be a fantastic evening for all the family, and we are very much looking forward to being a part of it.”

There’s free parking at Lancashire County Council’s Arthur Street car park, and all UCLan city centre car parks from 12noon on Switch On day, 23rd November. With Preston City Council’s Trinity Street Car Park and Penny Street Car Park being free from 1.00pm.

Updates on the Switch On event can be found at: https://fb.me/e/7BeLpYifO

For details of the city’s complimentary parking offer, please visit: https://bit.ly/ChristmasParkingPreston24

Keep an eye on visitpreston.com/ for more information on ‘Christmas in Preston’.