COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Coventry's big Christmas lights switch-on has been moved to a Wednesday night in a break from the usual tradition.



City chiefs have decided to move the event from its usual Sunday teatime slot to Wednesday, November 26, so that city centre traders can benefit from the extra footfall of visitors.

Marc Dwyer, city centre manager for the Coventry Business Improvement District, said: “We have made the decision this year to hold our annual Christmas lights switch-on event on Wednesday 26th after discussions with city centre retailers – they requested the change to allow them to trade for longer on the day of the event as Sunday trading laws restrict store opening times to a six-hour period.”

And he revealed: “We have also invested in a new Christmas lighting scheme for Broadgate which we are looking forward to unveiling.”

Kids’ TV presenters Sam & Mark will host the switch-on, with activities from 5.30-8pm. Special guests will include Father Christmas and Postman Pat – and a surprise celebrity guest who is set to turn the lights on at 7.30pm.

Previous switch-on events in Coventry have seen appearances from Katie Price and then husband Peter Andre, actor Martin Freeman, and contestants from TV’s X Factor and Fame Academy.

Details have also been released about other switch-on events in the region – with just seven shopping weeks to go until the big day.

Leamington’s Christmas light switch-on will be on Sunday, November 16. Starting at noon, The Parade will be transformed into a Christmas market, with family entertainment from local artists in the run-up to the lights being turned on at 5pm.

Warwick will also celebrate the run-up to Christmas in style with a Victorian theme event on Thursday, November 27, from 5-9pm. Hosted by BBC Coventry & Warwickshire, entertainment includes traditional rides and the Best Dressed Victorian competition. The lights will be turned on at 7pm following a lantern procession from St Mary’s Church, Warwick Road.

In Nuneaton, lights will be switched on at 5pm on Saturday, November 22, with a fireworks finale.

Rugby’s lights will be switched on the following day at 5pm, followed by fireworks. Daytime family activities will run from 10.30am, with special guests confirmed as ‘noughties’ band Toploader.

Union J confirmed as headline act for Coventry's Christmas lights switch-on



Union J are set to headline this year’s Coventry Christmas light switch-on.

The British boyband, formed in 2012 during the ninth series of the X Factor, will be at Coventry’s Broadgate to help mark the start of the festive season.

The X Factor heartthrobs will be supported on the night by Midland rockers, E of E, who have already this year supported the Vamps and McBusted on their respective tours.

TV presenters Sam and Mark will be hosting the Coventry Christmas light switch-on that is taking place on Wednesday November 26 from 5.30pm to 8pm.

Andy Talbot, chairman of Coventry BID and director of West Orchards Shopping Centre, said: “We are delighted to be bringing you Union J who will give you a brilliant show and we hope you enjoy our brand new Christmas tree and lights in Broadgate.

“We have worked very hard this year to make Coventry city centre the place to be this Christmas. This starts with the Christmas lights switch on event which officially heralds the start of Christmas in Coventry.”

Councillor Abdul Khan, cabinet member with responsibility for events, said: “Events like the switch-on are always popular and people do look forward to coming into the city centre to enjoy the festivities and I’m sure this year’s show will prove just as popular.”

After the announcement of their appearance at the Christmas light switch-on, Union J had this message for their fans: “We’re very excited to be performing at the Coventry Christmas Lights switch on. Come and watch us light up the city!”

Alongside the light switch-on in Broadgate, West Orchards Shopping Centre and the Lower Precinct Shopping Centre will also be turning on their festive lights.

West Orchards will launch their Christmas grotto at 3pm where kids can have their photos taken with Anna and Elsa from Disney’s animated film, Frozen. JD and Roisin from Free Radio will turn on the West Orchard lights at around 6pm.

Activities in the Lower Precinct will begin from 4pm with further photo opportunities with characters from Frozen, as well as a fancy dress competition at 5.30pm. The lights will be turned on at 6pm.