Rachel Bishop
By Rachel Bishop

Senior Staff Writer

8 November 2022

| | 1 min read

Time to light up the city for Christmas

Newcastle will be lit up with festive cheer from next week, as the Christmas lights are switched on in the city centre.

Santa and Newcastle Christmas lights
Time to light up the city for Christmas

The lights switch on traditionally kick-starts the city’s celebrations, and this year it will take place on Tuesday 15 November from 6pm, on Grey Street, just down from the Monument.

Metro Radio’s Steve and Karen will once again host the evening of family fun, with games, competitions, lots of dancing and the ever-popular Christmas sing-alongs.  They will be joined on stage by guests from Frozen, panto, and all the way from Lapland, Santa himself.

And this year’s special guest will be an up-and-coming North East star, presenter and entertainer Tilly Lockey, otherwise known as the Bionic Girl, who will be entertaining the crowd with her amazing singing voice.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Karen Robinson will also be on stage to help switch on the lights. She said: “I am delighted to be invited to this event, which every year is one of the highlights of the city’s calendar. It provides such a warm and welcoming atmosphere and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

“There’s no better way to showcase what a fabulous city we have, not only at Christmas, but all year round.”

Cllr Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for a Vibrant City said: “The lights switch on is the best place
to be to start the Christmas countdown in Newcastle, and I am so pleased everyone will get the chance to enjoy this, especially as times are hard for many.

“We want to light up our city and provide some much-needed Christmas cheer, and what better way to do this than at this fantastic, free event.”

Karen Oxley, Metro Radio Breakfast Show presenter added: “The Newcastle Christmas lights switch on is without doubt one of the highlights of the year for me and Steve. It always marks the start of the festive season for us and with the huge crowd that always turns out, we just love having the opportunity to host it.

“We’ve got another great stage show lined up with panto stars, Santa, Disney princesses and loads more. It really is a great family night out so make sure you come along and join the fun.”

As the city is always busy for this event, it is advised that everyone uses public transport when heading into the city centre.  The event is sponsored by Talk Talk.

I am delighted to be invited to this event, which every year is one of the highlights of the city’s calendar. It provides such a warm and welcoming atmosphere and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Councillor Karen Robinson

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle