Rotherham Lights Switch-on starts the festive season

Christmas Tree
Christmas Tree

The festive season will officially begin in Rotherham town centre with an evening of entertainment culminating in the annual switch-on of the Christmas Lights!

The festive season will officially begin in Rotherham town centre with an evening of entertainment culminating in the annual switch-on of the Christmas Lights!

The much-anticipated event, regularly sees 6,000 people pack into All Saints’ Square, will take place on Saturday 18 November, starting at 3pm.

On the Main Stage in Market Square there will be performances from Sheffield Community Choir, DJ Kavita, Civic Theatre Panto Cast and the authentic eight-piece Ska band, The Superskas.

Over on the All Saints’ Square stage beside the Christmas Tree, there will be performances from several young musicians including Abigail Germany, Tom Kilner, Rotherham Rogues, Joe Ward and The Motion, adding local talent into the mix.

Elsewhere, energetic street entertainment will bring the Town Centre to life including: SPARK! from World Beaters Music creating a live music, movement and lighting spectacular at Minster Gardens; Kitsch & Sync Collective will be roaming around with tap dancing reindeer; and there will be a performance of ‘A Christmas Carriage’ by Mark Mark Productions.

Enjoy exploring the town centre and Rotherham’s fabulous businesses before heading to All Saints’ Square for the all-important switch on by the Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Robert Taylor, at 6pm.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Councillor Denise Lelliott said: “The lights switch-on event is a fantastic family event that brings lots of fun and excitement as we light up the town centre for Christmas.”

“It’s a well-loved tradition with live entertainment, music, and comedy. I’m confident that there will be something for everyone across this year’s fantastic programme.”

The event will be supported with a gift and outdoor market as well as a selection children’s rides situated along Effingham Street.

Free parking will be available for this event in all Council-owned off-street car parks across the town centre including the Wellgate multi-storey and Drummond Street sites. The normal maximum duration time allowed still applies.

There will be three other festive treats in the run-up to Christmas in the town centre including the Winter Festival with WOW Rotherham and the Family Maker Day taking place Saturday 25 November, ‘The Glasshouse’ light installation on Tuesday 28 and Thursday 30 November, ‘Christmas at Rotherham Minster’ on Friday 8 December, ‘The Curious Curiosity Shop’ by Tangled dance Theatre on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December at Clifton Park.

To keep the festive spirit going, ‘A Magical Christmas Adventure’, a fun-filled adventure packed with enchanting activities and delightful surprises, will be taking place at Clifton Park from Saturday 25 November right through to Christmas Eve.

The Christmas Lights’ Switch On Event is funded by Rotherham Council, Flux Rotherham and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

Published: 16th November 2023