The special guest at this year’s Newcastle City Centre Christmas Lights switch-on will be Newcastle United defender, Steven Taylor – who will be joined on-stage by the Lord Mayor Cllr Ian Graham and hosts ‘Steve and Karen’ from Metro Radio’s Breakfast Show. Everyone will be placing their hands onto the magic button that will turn on the 20,000 festive lights.
The event is being organised by Newcastle City Council in association with Newcastle NE1 and sponsored by Primula Cheese with the annual occasion being hosted by Metro Radio with the switch-on taking place on Thursday November 19th located at Grey’s Monument from 5.30pm.
Steven Taylor will be in attendance as patron of the charity, Ballboys. Steven said: “It’s fantastic to represent our testicular Cancer charity Ballboys at this year’s Christmas lights switch-on. The cause is close to me, as a former team mate was diagnosed and he came back fighting due to catching the symptoms early.
“It’s important for us to reach out to the people of the city and try to make them aware about the dangers of testicular cancer, and how getting information about the disease can be a real lifesaver.”
The gathered crowds will be entertained by local pop trio, North Road, solo singer, Abi Garrido (of X Factor fame) and stars from the Tyne Theatre & Opera House panto, Aladdin.
There will also be a host of family entertainment being staged inside intu Eldon Square where internationally acclaimed street theatre company, Spark! will be performing a magical music, movement and lighting spectacular!
Spark! will be joined by sensational barbershop quartet, Scarlet Street, Ethereal crystal ball jugglers Calvos; and young people can meet the beautiful ‘Snow Princess’ and have their face painted at the arts and crafts station (the entertainment will run from4pm – 8pm).
Cabinet Member for Communities and Facilities at Newcastle City Council, Cllr David Stockdale, said: “Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the annual lights switch-on, as it always brings something extra to the City Centre experience. The stunning illumination will greet residents, shoppers and visitors to Newcastle when they come to sample what the City has to offer!”
The free event takes place on Thursday November 19th at Grey’s Monument from 5.30pm (with the switch-on being at6.30pm).
For further information about the Christmas Lights Switch-on please visit www.newcastle.gov.uk or www.metroradio.co.uk