Let the countdown to Christmas begin - the dates for this year’s Wolverhampton lights switch-on events have been announced.
There will be fun for all the family at a series of events across the city, with the city centre Christmas lights switch-on taking place in Queen Square on Saturday 22 November.
The fun starts at 3pm with a funfair, a giant snow globe, face painting, food and drink and much more. Get set for a full afternoon of entertainment that you won't want to miss with the lights switch-on as the finale.
A popular children’s character will be on hand throughout the day to keep everyone entertained before performances from Bilston Operatic Company and highly acclaimed international swing and jazz vocalist Andrew Bourn, who will perform festive hits old and new. They will then be joined by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Craig Collingswood, and Father Christmas, to switch on the lights at 6pm.
The city centre fun is not the only festive celebration in Wolverhampton, as Christmas lights will also be switched on at Wednesfield, Tettenhall and Bilston, with Father Christmas and the Mayor of Wolverhampton doing the honours, plus entertainment from local artists and Wolverhampton’s very own Dicky Dodd.
As part of Christmas in Wolverhampton, the city centre will also host a Christmas Market on Victoria Street on the weekend of November 22&23 and from Friday November 28 to Sunday 30, featuring local artists and crafters showcasing and selling their work.
The Christmas at Bantock Market will take place on Saturday, December 6 between 11am and 3pm.
An enchanting and free 3D projection show which first arrived in Wolverhampton in 2023 will return this November, transforming St Peter’s Church with a ‘Lights in the Night’ show. The spectacle will project onto the church, celebrating the rich history, heritage, and diversity of the City of Wolverhampton. The show will play on a loop every five minutes and you will be able to spot key highlights such as running wolves and exploding locks as the city’s past is presented in a 3D light animation.
The light projection show takes place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November between 6pm and 9pm.
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills, said: “It’s been another fantastic year of events in the city, and the Christmas lights is a great way to end what has been a busy events season.
“Thousands of families year on year attend our lights switch-ons to mark the start of the countdown to Christmas – they are great free events.
“In addition to this year’s events, we’re excited to have our Christmas market taking place on Victoria Street on various dates throughout November, as well as the market in December at Bantock. There is plenty happening across Wolverhampton this festive period.”
The Christmas events are part of a wider city events programme which is funded by the council, commercial sponsorship and with £71,350 Government support through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Wolverhampton based not-for-profit Health Cash Plan provider Paycare has been announced as headline sponsor for this year’s Christmas events including the lights switch-ons, city centre Christmas market and light projection show.
Ant Burns, Paycare’s CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be headline sponsor of Christmas in the City for a second consecutive year. Last year’s celebrations were a fantastic success as we marked our 150th anniversary, and we’re thrilled to be involved once again - this time playing an even greater role by supporting the Christmas Craft Market and light projection show too.
“As one of Wolverhampton’s longest-standing businesses - still fondly remembered by many as Patients Aid - we take great pride in championing our home and contributing to its ongoing growth and regeneration. It’s wonderful to see such positive investment and vibrancy across the city centre.
“Our focus is on helping people to look after their everyday wellbeing through affordable healthcare, and this partnership is another way for us to give back to the community that has been at the heart of our story for a century and a half. We’re also running a festive competition with prizes from the Grand Theatre, Wolves Foundation, and Paycare, giving all Wulfrunians a chance to join in the seasonal celebrations.”
The full list of lights switch-on events is as follows:
To find out more about Christmas in the City of Wolverhampton, visit: www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/visiting/christmas-wolverhampton
