Christmas Lights Switch-On

Lincoln's Christmas lights get switched on at High Street on Thursday 26 November, and it's a full evening rather than just a quick flick of a switch. The whole thing runs from 16:30 to 19:00, with the lights actually coming on around 18:50, so if you're only after the main moment, you've got a good window to get there early and find a spot.

The stage is set up on High Street in front of the War Memorial, and the line-up is a proper mix of local talent and a few big names. The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Clare Smalley, will be there with British athlete Abbie Donnelly and Olympic gymnast Louis Smith, alongside the stars of the New Theatre Royal's pantomime. The music comes from the Danielle Rawlinson School of Dance, the County Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Choir, the New Theatre Royal Junior Ensemble, and the cast of Beauty & the Beast, with a visit from Father Christmas. BBC Lincolnshire presenters Ross Carrick, Scott Dalton and Richard Stead will be hosting throughout the evening.

It's the official start of the festive season in the city, when the centre is transformed into a display of Christmas lights. Beyond the switch-on, the festive programme carries on through December with markets and live music popping up across the centre, a free festive walking tour through the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter, the Bailgate area and Castle Square, and the return of Thor's Tipi Bar. The switch-on is free, and the whole thing runs from 16:30 to 19:00 on Thursday 26 November, with the lights coming on around 18:50.