The countdown to Christmas is well and truly underway as the City Council can announce the date for its traditional Newcastle City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on as Tuesday 14th November.
The City Council is proud to announce Metro Radio as the official media partner for Newcastle’s annual evening of festive fun with breakfast show hosts ‘Steve and Karen’, joining the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Linda Wright…and some special guests to help switch-on the dazzling lights.
An estimated 20,000 festive lights will illuminate parts of the City including areas of Northumberland Street; Blackett Street; Percy Street; Grey Street; Grainger Street; Nun Street; Nelson Street; Newgate Street; Neville Street; and the Quayside. This year there will be an extra special light to look out for, a 4-metre tall Teddy Bear!
An expected 5,000 strong crowd will join together at the base of Grey’s Monument for an hour of festive songs, entertainment, on-stage games and Christmas merriment. Did we mention the event is free, and everyone is welcome to attend (get down early to secure the best vantage point. No wristbands are required).
Councillor Kim McGuinness, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities, said: “Newcastle’s Christmas Lights celebration is absolutely the place to be if you want to get started on the countdown to Christmas. Grey’s Monument and the surrounding area promises a great family atmosphere and an excellent vantage point to see the big switch on. In Newcastle we’re known for our ability to have a great time and each year this event shows that spirit. We hope the event will bring residents from right across the city together in the city centre for the first glimpse of Christmas and possibly the first bout of Christmas shopping too.”
Steve Furnell, Metro Radio’s Breakfast Show Presenter, said: “It’s that time of year again when Newcastle shows the world its best party moves. We’ll be having a good sing-a-long to Christmas songs and getting into the festive mood.”
Karen Oxley, Metro Radio’s Breakfast Show Presenter, said: “We’re really honoured to be hosting this must-see Christmas Lights Switch-on.
“The people of Newcastle know how to get into the Christmas spirit. You’re under starter’s orders to find your Christmas jumpers, bring down your jingle bells, and get practicing your best turkey impressions!”
The fun starts from 5.30pm at Grey’s Monument and runs through until 6.30pm. It’s advisable to use public transport [Metro or the Bus network] to get into Newcastle as the Christmas shopping season will be in full swing.
You can follow Newcastle City Council on social media @newcastlecitycouncil (Face Book) and @NewcastleCC (Twitter) @lovenewcastle (Instagram).
You can follow Metro Radio on @metroradiouk (for Face Book, Twitter and Instagram).
Also watch this space for some exciting news about official Christmas Lights partners, sponsors and extra special guests.
#NewcastleChristmasLights