Plymouth's Barbican puts on record-breaking dazzling display

19th November 2024

On Saturday (16 November) over 14,000 people, the highest figure ever, watched the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On, illuminating the historic waterfront with a sparkling display of festive cheer.

The hugely popular annual event started at midday with a variety of family friendly activities, including live music from local choirs and groups on a brand-new stage, street performers including the Grinch, and a wide range of stalls selling fantastic gifts, food and drink. The day culminated with the big switch on at 5.15pm with this year’s Plymouth Community Hero, Jo Connett, the guest of honour of the event, alongside Santa, the Deputy Lord Mayor, Muddles (aka Andy Ford and local RNLI crew.

Jon Walton and Kim Downer, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership:

“Record numbers, happy people, happy businesses – Christmas Lights Switch On 2024 on in our wonderful Barbican, in the heart of Britain's Ocean City, was a spectacular event.

We have continued to take on board customer and business feedback, and believe we have created the best Lights Switch On yet. What is most important however, is our community and we placed real emphasis on it this year and will continue to do so. The bus trip to The Duke of Cornwall Hotel and Royal William Yard after the switch on with families of Jeremiah's Journey, Santa, Muddles from Theatre Royal Plymouth panto was a real highlight-massive thanks to Plymouth Citybus for the open top bus, no rain too! Yay! Thanks to everyone who supports our local businesses who fund this event.

Jo Connett, our community hero was indeed the real star of the show!”

John Naismith, Support Engagement Manager, Jeremiah’s Journey:

“It was so kind of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership to offer places on Santa’s bus to families that have used Jeremiah’s Journey this year. It was a fabulous evening; all the families loved it. Thank you so much.”

This year’s Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On, was in association with Macpherson Motorcycles, with the new stage sponsored by Cattewater Harbour Commissioners. The thousands upon thousands of lights were installed, and will be maintained, by lighting specialists LITE and local business, Arlo Solutions SW Limited.

The Christmas Lights Switch On marks the start of a busy few weeks in the lead up to Christmas across the waterfront:

NSPCC Festival of Trees – this festive favourite has Christmas trees displayed in three venues across the waterfront at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth Pavilions and Ocean Studios.

Friday 22 November – as part of a UK wide tour, Plymouth welcomes the Small Business Saturday team to highlight the extensive and eclectic range of small local independent businesses.

Sunday 8 December – Santa Fun Run - Saltram Rotary in partnership with PWP are bringing hundreds of Santas to the waterfront’ historic cobbles as they take part in and raise money for two fantastic local charities - Jeremiah’s Journey and Shekinah. Entries are open now via the Santa Fun Run website. All entrants receive a FREE Santa Suit and finishing medal with the entry fee (adults £15 and children £5 each).

The Barbican Christmas Lights will remain lit throughout the festive season, creating a unique magical backdrop for shopping, dining, and socialising along the waterfront. Don’t miss seeing them.

Watch the official Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On video.