Time to Light up the City for Christmas

It’s official, the start of Newcastle’s Christmas is nearly here, as details are announced for this year’s Christmas lights switch on.

Newcastle City Council will again be working with Hits Radio North East (formerly Metro Radio), and breakfast show presenters Steve and Karen will be taking centre stage alongside other festive guests.

This year’s much anticipated event takes place on Tuesday 12 November, and is the traditional curtain raiser to Christmas in the city. The fun starts at 6pm, with the big switch-on just before 7pm, so head down to the top of Grey Street near the Monument.

A fun-filled evening for all the family is guaranteed, with Steve and Karen entertaining the crowds with songs, games, live music, and maybe even a very special visit from the fella in red. They will also be joined by panto stars from Little Mermaid at the Theatre Royal.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Rob Higgins will also be on stage to help switch on the lights. He said: “The annual Christmas lights switch on in Newcastle is known as the official start of the festive season in the city, and I am delighted to have been asked to be involved.

“Newcastle is a magical place at Christmas, both for those that call it home and for visitors to our city, so please come along on the evening and bring your family and friends too.

“I am also looking forward to everything else on offer in the city this Christmas and the great selection of activities and events taking place that are accessible for everyone to enjoy, including the start of Newcastle’s Christmas Market on Saturday 16 November. I hope everyone has a fantastic time over the festive season.”

Steve Furnell from the Hits Radio Breakfast Show added: “This night really is one of our annual highlights. We love launching Christmas in the city, and having so much fun with the wonderful audience that always turns out to celebrate with us.
“It’s a huge honour for us to be part of the team that bring this free family event to the heart of our great City. We look forward to seeing everyone in their Christmas jumpers on November 12th.”

The Christmas lights switch on is always a popular event, so we advise those traveling into the city centre to use public transport. And remember, there are ongoing renovation works on the Tyne Bridge meaning only one lane in each direction.

Newcastle City Council is again working with NE1 on Newcastle’s Christmas for 2024 with this year’s website launching next week - www.newcastleschristmas.com. This will include details of all events taking place in the city centre this Christmas as well as extensive details on the Christmas Market and the traders taking part.