The fun starts at 3pm with a funfair, real reindeer, face painting, food and drink and much more. Get set for a full afternoon of entertainment that you won't want to miss with the lights switch on as the finale.
The Grinch and Cindy Lou will be entertaining the crowds throughout the event before X Factor and musical theatre star Niki Colwell Evans and Jake Nelson Music take to the stage to perform an array of songs. They will then be joined by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Linda Leach, and Father Christmas to switch on the lights at 6pm.
The city centre fun is not the only festive celebration in Wolverhampton, as Christmas lights will also be switched on at Wednesfield, Tettenhall, Bilston and Bantock House with Father Christmas and the Mayor of Wolverhampton doing the honours, plus entertainment from local artists and Wolverhampton’s very own Dicky Dodd.
The full programme is as follows:
- Saturday 16 November: Wolverhampton City Centre, Queen Square - event 3pm to 7pm, lights switch on 6pm
- Thursday 21 November: Wednesfield, High Street - event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on 6.30pm
- Friday 22 November: Bilston, Church Street - event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on 6.30pm
- Saturday 23 November: Tettenhall, Upper Green - event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on 6.30pm
- Sunday 24 November: Bantock House, Finchfield Road - event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on 6.30pm.
Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills said: “The Christmas lights switch ons are always a favourite with our residents, as it signals the start of the festive period for a lot of families.
“These free events are the perfect way to kick start the Christmas season, so I’d encourage everyone to come along and get into the festive spirit!”
Wolverhampton based not for profit Health Cash Plan provider Paycare, which gives policyholders the chance to claim back up to 100% of what they spend on healthcare, as well as access to an online GP App, support helpline and discounts on everyday spending, has been announced as headline sponsor for the 5 events.
The Enjoy Wolverhampton BID team also have a range of activities happening throughout the Christmas Period. Santa’s Grotto returns to the Mander Centre between 30 November and 23 December located in the Lower Mall. For just £5 per child per visit, children can step into Santa's world, meet the jolly man himself, and receive a charming age appropriate gift to take home and put under the tree.
The excitement doesn't stop there, as part of the visit, parents can claim a free personalised letter from Santa for the children, sent straight to their home before Christmas.
More information about the above activities, including details of late night shopping and parking in the city centre, can be found at Enjoy Wolverhampton.
Meanwhile, the Wolverhampton Christmas Market will be in Dudley Street from 13 to 19 December between 10am and 5pm each day. There will be an array of products on offer from local and international vendors, including unique artisan creations, one of a kind handmade treasures, novelty items, affordable stocking fillers, toys and much more. More information can be found at Wolverhampton Christmas Market.
