Ho ho ho! Big switch-on event for city's Christmas lights

Brighton's sky will be filled with twinkling lights and festive phrases after the big light switch-on event this Thursday (November 16).
Brighton's unique Christmas lights returnBrighton's unique Christmas lights return
Brighton's unique Christmas lights return

The city centre will see the return of favourites from last year – including the words Ding Dong, #Fairy and Love, along with playful twinkling tidings in North Laine and a gorgeous golden canopy of lights in The Lanes, plus the addition of Ho Ho Ho, voted for by the public in September.

There will be a free party at East Street from 5pm, with performances from We Bop, a 40-strong all-female Brighton choir, along with the angelic young voices from Hove’s Singing’s Cool and performers from The Theatre Workshop.

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Comedic group AFOUR, including Steve Legge a member of Right Said Bruv from Britain’s Got Talent fame, Barry Elford of Storage Hunters UK, The Voice’s Marvin Manouke and Simon Cowell look-alike Andy Penfold, will also be performing their fun, tongue-in-cheek Christmas song Four Kings.

Then, Googlebox stars Chris Butland-Steed and Stephen Webb will have the all-important task of counting down and flicking the switch to unveil Brighton’s festive lights.

The big switch-on event is organised by Brilliant Brighton, an organisation formed of 517 businesses who put on the switch-on event and collectively pay the £75,000 per year fee to ensure the city is lit up at Christmas.

The event is supported by 107.2 Juice FM and Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, while the Christmas lights are being sponsored by Southern Water.

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“We’re really excited for this year’s Christmas lights switch-on event,” Gavin Stewart CEO of Brilliant Brighton,

“We are delighted that Southern Water has sponsored the Christmas lights this year, helping us put on a truly splendid display for locals and visitors to the city to enjoy.

“We can’t wait to unveil the new Christmas light, Ho Ho Ho, voted on by the public too, so come down and join us!”

There will also be a raffle with prizes from Brilliant Brighton businesses – including a £200 voucher from Sorriso, a food hamper from Marks and Spencer and a cut and blow dry with North Laine Hair Company’s salon director, with all donations going directly to Chestnut Tree House.

For more details about this year’s Christmas lights switch-on, visit: www.brilliantbrighton.com