‘Strictly’ Festive Fun only at this year’s Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On!

13th November 2023

The Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On is set to be a festive frenzy of fun and excitement on Saturday 18 November. The event, sponsored by JHAV, will feature an afternoon of free activities and entertainment for all ages, followed by the all-important lights switch-on ceremony with some ‘strictly’ special guests!

This year's festivities will start at 12pm with a variety of family-friendly activities, including Christmas crafts, storytelling and Santa's grotto. There will also be live entertainment from local performers, including choirs, bands, and dance groups. Those pawesome pals at Gables will be holding a ‘Santa Paws’ inspired dog show too.

At 5:30pm, the festive bus will arrive on Southside Street, carrying Santa Claus, the Lord Mayor, Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, and the nominated community hero who will be switching on the Christmas lights. After the switch-on, Santa will take a trip on the festive bus around the waterfront, spreading his Christmas cheer.

Jon Walton, CEO, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership:

“We are so excited for this year’s Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On – it’s going to be the brightest and best yet! We’ve got miles of brand-new lighting installed ready to add some more sparkle to the Barbican and the waterfront – we can’t wait for when Dame Darcey and our nominated Christmas hero hit that light switch next Saturday!”

In addition to the main event, there will also be a selection of stalls on The Parade selling festive refreshments and gifts.

Here are just a few of the things you can expect at this year's event:

• Santa Claus arriving by RNLI lifeboat – this year Santa will arrive via the Barbican Landing Stage on Commercial Wharf
• Dame Darcey Bussell DBE switching on the Christmas lights along with this year’s chosen community hero
• A festive bus parade along the waterfront with Santa and other special guests
• Live music and entertainment from local choirs, bands and dance groups including Plymouth Soundhouse Brass Band
• Enchanting street performers, elf circus workshops, crafty delights and Christmas Fairy’s Tales
• Snow globe extravaganza
• Festive food and drink stalls
• Help Santa find his reindeers in time for Christmas Eve – pick up a Christmas Reindeer trail leaflet from the Tourist Information Centre
• And much more!

The Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On, run by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Explore the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and Royal William Yard for all your Christmas shopping needs while enjoying the stunning views of Plymouth’s waterfront and mouth-watering food and drink.