Rotherham: Line-up for Christmas lights switch-on announced

Christmas officially kicks off in Rotherham on Thursday 14th November at 4.30pm as the colour, excitement and sounds of the annual lights switch-on returns to an expectant All Saints’ Square.

The traditional annual event, sponsored by Wilmott Dixon, will be hosted by Rother FM, who will be getting the party in full swing for the estimated 8,000 revellers who are expected to fill the town centre.

The musical entertainment will be kicked off by X Factor finalists, Diva Fever, who will be taking to the stage at 4.45pm.

Diva Fever who appeared on the X Factor 2010, will be joining the cast of this years panto, Beauty and the Beast, and Voices of Abba, who are on stage at 5pm and 5.20pm respectively.

The Voice’s Karl Michael will be continuing the Christmas spirit at 5.35pm with the Mayor of Rotherham, Coun John Foden, accompanied by his grandchildren, Jacob and Matilda, officially bringing the festive lights into life at 5.55pm.

The Voice’s Emma Jane Garbutt will bring the evening to a rapturous close at 6.05pm as Rother FM officially welcome the Christmas season to the town.

Cabinet member for culture and tourism, Coun Amy Rushforth, said: “The switch-on evening is the one night of the year that everyone in Rotherham looks forward to.”

“It’s the start of the festive period in the borough and, as always, we intend to get it going with a bang.”

“The council’s dedicated events team have spent the last few months making sure that the night remains a place where families can come, have fun, feel safe and enjoy a great night of entertainment.”

“To have an act like Diva Fever, Karl Michael and Emma Jane Garbutt, who have collectively had millions of people on their feet, to perform at our event shows just how important it is and how seriously we take it.”

“Plus, having amazing acts like the panto cast, headlined by Coronation Street’s Oliver Mellor, and The Voices of Abba, means it will be a fantastic musical extravaganza on the night.”

“We’re following on from previous years in having a very traditional switch-on evening, packed with fun, games and great music, with time-honoured illuminations in festive colours ready to light up the town.”

“The 35ft tree, which we’ll have on prominent display in the middle of All Saints’ Square, will also be a grand affair, illuminated with hundreds of individual lights.”

“There will also be a very special Christmas Craft Market in the town centre for you to stock up on your presents.”

The evening of entertainment, which remains free, also includes children’s rides, delicious food and Christmas cheer.