Everything you need to know about Brighton's Christmas lights switch on

Some of the festive phrases on North Street, Brighton

This year will be no different, with the return of the quirky lights during the festive season.

But when is the big lights switch on event and will there be late night shopping?

Here’s all you need to know.

Where and when is the Christmas light switch on event?

The big Christmas lights switch-on event will take place in East Street, Brighton, on Thursday, November 15 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. There will be a free, festive party with a show from Brighton performers before the light switch-on.

Free glass of fizz and 25% food discount at one of Brighton’s top restaurants

The light switch on event will raise money for Rockinghorse Children's Charity

Where can I see the Christmas lights?

The city centre will see the return of favourites from last year – including the words Ding Dong, #Fairy and Love on North Street and Western Road, along with playful twinkling tidings in North Laine and a gorgeous golden canopy of lights in The Lanes.

What does the big switch-on event involve?

Before the big switch on, there will be performances from the local talent. There’ll be toe- tapping tunes from vintage-inspired swing group Hit the Silk, Christmas carols by Actually Gay Men’s Chorus and chart hits from renowned Brighton buskers Ren and Sam Tompkins. 17-year-old singer-songwriter Jack Rose, will also be taking to the stage to perform his new single Birthday Cake.

A twinkling canopy of lights at the Clock Tower SUS-171117-152054001

There will also be a raffle with great prizes from city centre businesses to raise cash for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, the fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital.

Who will turn on the Christmas lights?

This year, that honour goes to inspiring Hove 15-year-old fundraiser Jake Heal, who despite having the rare genetic Prader-Willi Syndrome which causes a wide range of physical symptoms, learning difficulties and behavioural problems, has raised over £4,000 for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity by taking part in the i360 iDrop Abseil. He will have the all-important task of counting down and flicking the switch to unveil Brighton’s festive lights, alongside Rockinghorse trustee and CBeebies presenter Sid Sloane and Father Christmas.

Who pays for the lights?

The lights are paid for by the 517 city centre businesses which make up the Brilliant Brighton businesses improvement district – they collectively fork out £75,000 per year for the Christmas lights.

This year’s lights witch on event is organised by Brilliant Brighton in association with Capital Brighton and Rockinghorse Children’s Charity and is sponsored by Legal & General.

Will there be late night shopping this year?

Late night shopping is back on Thursday, November 29 and Thursday, December 13, with retailers opening until 8pm.

On Thursday, December 13, around 500 city centre shops, restaurants and cafes stay open until 8pm - with plenty of entertainment, in-store events and offers to make picking up those last few presents a truly enjoyable experience.

This event will be sponsored by local employer Legal & General. Karan Martin, Hove location director for Legal & General said: “As one of the largest local employers we feel passionately about supporting community events such as this and we would really encourage everyone to get behind their local businesses this year when they do come to do their Christmas shopping.”

How long will the lights stay up for?

This year’s Christmas lights will light up the city centre until early January.

To find out more about Brilliant Brighton, visit: www.brilliantbrighton.com