Countdown to Christmas begins as Wolverhampton Light switch on dates announced

It’s never too early to talk about Christmas, as the dates for this year’s light switch on events have been announced.

There will be fun for all the family at a series of events across the city, starting with the city centre switch on in Queen Square on Saturday 16 November.

The festivities start 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 there entertaining the crowds throughout the event before X Factor and musical theatre star Niki Colwell and Jake Nelson Music take to the stage performing 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 – 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.  

Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills said: “It’s been another fantastic year of events in the city, and the Christmas lights is a great way to end what has been a busy events season.

“Thousands of families year on year attend our light switch ons to mark the start of the countdown to Christmas – they are great free events for all the family.”

Wolverhampton based not-for-profit Health Cash Plan provider Paycare –which gives policy holders 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 – have been announced as headline sponsor for the five events.

Anna Bamford, Paycare Marketing Manager, said: “We’re delighted to support such a wonderful set of festive events, bringing together our wonderful communities to share in the light and cheer of the holiday season!

“Paycare are on a mission to make our communities happier and healthier, so we are delighted to be sponsoring the Christmas lights that bring so much pleasure and joy to the city and surrounding areas.”

The full list of switch on events is as follows: 

• Saturday 16 November: Wolverhampton City Centre, Queen Square – event 3pm to 7pm, lights switch on at 6pm
• Thursday 21 November: Wednesfield, High Street – event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on at 6.30pm 
• Friday 22 November: Bilston, Church Street – event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on at 6.30pm  
• Saturday 23 November: Tettenhall, Upper Green – event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on at 6.30pm  
• Sunday 24 November: Bantock House, Finchfield Road – event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on at 6.30pm  

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o find out more about Christmas in the City of Wolverhampton, including details on local artists performing at each of the switch on events, visit: www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/visiting/christmas-wolverhampton