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About us
The Christmas calendar officially kicks off with the switch-on of this year’s spectacular Christmas lights, sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction, on Thursday 14 November, on the Piazza, run by the Plymouth City Centre Company.
The festive fun starts at 4pm, with a wonderful programme of entertainment, including singing, theatre and dance performances, plus live music from Joey the Lips, and their 10-piece funk and soul band. Santa will be coming along with the Lord Mayor and special guests including Snow White from the Theatre Royal Panto, and players from Plymouth Argyle Football Club Women’s Team all of who will be sharing the Christmas magic and switching on the colourful Christmas lights. The big switch-on moment is due to take place between 6.20pm and 6.30pm, illuminating the city centre and marking the beginning of Christmas in Plymouth.
What's on in the city centre
The City Centre will be decorated with dazzling lighting displays, Gobo projected lights on the paving and buildings, an 8m high illuminated Christmas tree, sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction, at Old Town Square, plus live entertainment from 3pm with Manuka performing from this brand-new events space, playing classic Manuka acoustic favourites along with plenty of Christmas tunes to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
The Drake Circus Lights switch-on will also be happening, with entertainment starting at 3.30pm from their ‘Parcel Rascals’ and ‘Elf & Safety’ acts, snow flurries at Old Town Street at 4pm, and their lights switch-on at 5pm.
It’s a great time to start your Christmas shopping, as late-night shopping will also start on Thursday 14 November, with many shops staying open until 9pm every Thursday until Thursday 19 December.
Jump to: Entertainment Programme | Access Information | How to get here
Entertainment Programme
3pm to 4.30pm Manuka (performing in Old Town Street square)
4pm to 4.10pm Enchanted Entertainment
4.20pm to 4.35pm Razzamataz
4.45pm to 5pm SJ Performing Arts
5.10pm to 5.25pm Groovement Project Dance Company
5.35pm to 5.50pm Plym Kids
6pm to 6.15pm Plymouth Performing Arts Academy
6.20pm to 6.30pm The big switch-on moment
6.30pm to 7.45pm Joey the Lips
Access Information
If you have any questions relating to access please contact the dedicated access email address: Eventaccess@plymouth.gov.uk
Jump to: Busy times | Chill out area | Accessible viewing area | Ground condition | British Sign Language | Information points | Blue Badge Parking | Public toilets | How to get here
We feel the busiest times for the city centre lights switch on will be between 5.45pm and 6.45pm, the Christmas lights will be switched on between 6pm and 6.30pm.
As it will be very busy around the main stage if you are looking for an area away from the main event we recommend heading to the Civic Square (opposite the Civic Centre) where you will find quieter areas with benches.
This will be available on the Piazza by House of Fraser.
The event area is paved and flat, some routes to the event will be sloped.
We are featuring a qualified BSL interpreter on the main stage from 4pm to 8pm. This service is provided by Complete Communications Ltd.
British Sign Language interpreted performances are performances where an interpreter is on stage interpreting the words and songs live. They are suitable for deaf people, those with family members who use British Sign Language, people with an interest in British Sign Language.
There will be many stewards across the event around the Piazza, who will always be very happy to help. They will be wearing white high viz tabards so please ask them if you have any questions.
The closest Public toilets are at the sundial on Armada Way:
There are 3 Disabled toilets (2 include baby changing facilities) you will need a RADAR key for access.
There are also a number of Male and Female public toilets located here (please note you will need to go down a number of steps) there is a charge of 20p for access.
Please click here for full details on Blue badge parking
How to get here
Bus
Plymouth Citybus is the main local bus service provider for Plymouth. You can find out which bus you need to catch, where to catch it from and what time it leaves using the journey planner on the Traveline South West website.
Car
Travelling by car to Plymouth is easily accessible from most locations within the UK.
Most driving routes will bring you onto the M5, which eventually merges to become the A38 bringing you directly to Plymouth. If you cross the Tamar Bridge towards Saltash then you've gone too far.
We recommend you use Google Maps to plan the quickest route for you.
There is plenty of parking available in Plymouth. Whether it's in the car parks or street parking, both will require a small fee in the city.
There are over 50 car parks and more than 5,200 parking spaces in Plymouth. 19 of these car parks are situated in and around the city centre, varying from short term and long term stays. There are spaces in each car park for disabled badge holders. Standard charges apply.
Coach
If you're travelling from within the South West the Stagecoach Falcon service connects Plymouth with Exeter, Taunton, Bristol Airport and Bristol City Centre. National Express operates daily coach services to Plymouth from departure points across the UK. For coach tickets and pricing visit their coach website.
National Express also offers holidays by coach on their Holidays by National Express website, where you can add hotels and attractions to your coach travel and book your next trip to Plymouth in one package.
FlixBus operates a coach service between Plymouth and London, five days a week with additional services running during the summer months.
Train
Plymouth Station is located an approximate 10 minute walk from the city centre, there are also frequent buses which stop outside the station who will bring you to Royal Parade.
Plymouth is easily accessible by train with a wide range of services running from a variety of locations within England. Although some services may require a change or two.
Travelling from London takes around 3 hours with Great Western Railway, if you're coming from the north, the trip from Manchester can take 5 hours 15 minutes.
We recommend using GWR.com to search for the fastest and best route for your journey, and book in advance for the best price.
Walking
The Christmas lights will be switched on at the Piazza, Royal Parade. Walk towards the middle of Royal Parade and cross at the pedestrian crossing if you need to.
Road closures
There are no planned road closures with the Christmas Lights Switch On.
