An amazing selection of talent will be unwrapped at this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Thursday, November 22.
An amazing selection of talent will be unwrapped at this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Thursday, November 22.
The evening is sponsored by the Market Place Shopping Centre, and the evening also marks the start of late night shopping in the mall.
Switch-on show highlights
From 5pm to 7pm, crowds in Victoria Square will be treated to free live dance and musical acts.
The show starts with performances from the Bolton Lads and Girls Club, the cast of the Albert Halls musical The Last Five Years, and the Theatre Dance Group.
They will be followed by stars from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this year’s panto at the Albert Halls, and solo artist Krisshan Jade.
Musical acts Feel Good Inc, soloist Emilia and local boy band Conixi will then take to the stage.
The 50-strong Rock Choir will perform at 6.20pm and Little Fix, a Little Mix tribute act, will round off the show with a selection of the group’s biggest hits.
Coronation Street star Alan Halsall will perform the official switch-on at 7pm and the event will end with a spectacular firework display from the roof of the town hall.
Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Linda Thomas, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of the highlights of the year and a spectacular way to start the festive season.
“The night will be an absolute must for Coronation Street fans and the line-up of music and live performances will make this year’s event the best yet.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming big crowds to the town centre to witness a show that I’m sure will put us all in the Christmas spirit.”
Victoria Square stage schedule:
| Time | Act |
|---|---|
| 5pm | Tower FM intro |
| 5.05pm | Bolton Lads and Girls Club |
| 5.10pm | The Last Five Years |
| 5.15pm | Theatre Dance Group |
| 5.25pm | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs |
| 5.30pm | Krisshan Jade |
| 5.45pm | Feel Good Inc |
| 5.55pm | Emilia |
| 6.10pm | Conixi |
| 6.20pm | Rock Choir |
| 6.35pm | Little Fix (Little Mix tribute act) |
| 6.55pm | Countdown to switch on with Alan Halsall |
| 7pm | Fireworks display |
Festive fun at Market Place Shopping Centre
From 3pm a host of Christmas characters will be in the centre including giant Christmas puddings, stilt walkers and Jack Frost.
From 4pm to 5.45pm, the Market Place Stage will see performances from Danny Scott, Krisshan Jade and the little elves of Halliwell Community Group.
After the switch-on, Emilia will take to the stage followed by Little Fix at 7.30pm.
Market Place Centre Manager, Nikki Wilson-Cook, added: “The Bolton Christmas Lights switch-on is an event that truly captures the essence of the season, with lots of family fun, great entertainment and the amazing light parade, and we are, as always, thrilled to be a part of it.
“With music on the Market Place Stage throughout the day in addition to the town centre activity, it also signals the start of our late-night shopping and the big countdown to Christmas Day.”
Late night shopping until 8pm on Thursdays, also starts on Christmas Lights Switch-On night until Christmas, and shops will have extended opening hours from Tuesday, 18th December until Christmas.
More info: https://boltonmarketplace.co.uk/
Market Place stage schedule:
| Time | Act |
|---|---|
| 4pm | Danny Scott |
| 4.30pm | The little Elves (Halliwell Community Group) |
| 4.45pm | Kayleigh Taylor |
| 5.30pm | Krisshan Jade |
| 7pm | Emilia |
| 7.30pm - 8pm | Little Fix (Little Mix tribute act) |
Parades
From 6.15pm, a parade featuring street performers, snowmen, Father Christmas, and the Mayor and Mayoress will leave Churchgate, processing down Deansgate.
The Bolton Light Festival Lantern Parade, featuring dozens of imaginative creations crafted by community groups, will leave the Market Place Shopping Centre at 6.20pm.
Both parades will join at the junction with Market Street before arriving in Victoria Square.
Parking
There will be free parking after 3pm in the town centre NCP multi-storey car parks on the night.
Free weekday parking after 3pm will continue until January 3, in addition to free all day parking at weekends and bank holidays all year round.