GBC Christmas Light Switch On

Join us for our Christmas Lights switch on festivities – Thurs 16 November

Christmas TreeChristmas is coming – so why not join us for Guildford’s traditional Christmas Lights switch-on on Thursday 16 November with lots to see and do for all ages.

Cllr Nigel Manning, Mayor of Guildford says: “Christmas is coming so why not join me on Thursday 16 November for a mix of entertainment, local musicians and a Guildhall balcony show hosted by 96.4 Eagle Radio.”

“This year we have an ice rink at The Village to really add to the festive spirit. Come along and join the fun.”

Amanda Masters, general manager at Experience Guildford, the town’s Business Improvement District adds;

“The annual Christmas lights switch-on marks the start of the festive countdown for Guildford and the start of the busiest retail season of the year. This year we’re delighted to again provide the lights for the occasion and to present and fund a host of other activities, events and entertainment to help get Guildford residents and visitors in the festive spirit and support our BID members. Having just been voted in for a further five-year term to market and support the town, we look forward to another fabulous Christmas in Guildford and a very prosperous New Year.”

From 12pm you can meet the reindeer and Newfoundland dogs in the town centre, before entertainment gets underway at 4pm on the Experience Guildford stage outside Holy Trinity Church on the High Street.

The ever-popular mascot parade starts at 5.15pm before the main event at 6, the traditional countdown show from the Guildhall balcony, presented by 96.4 Eagle Radio’s own, Peter Gordon. Eagle Radio has been a proud supporter of Guildford’s Christmas lights switch-on for over 20 years.

Expect an exciting mix of music and panto stars as we count down to the big switch-on at 7pm. The switch-on will be followed by a spectacular firework display, sponsored by White Lion Walk shopping centre.

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos of the events on social media, using the hashtag #Guildfordlights

Timetable of events

11.30am – 6.00pm Magic shows and balloon modelling at The Village
11.30am – 2.30pm Face Painting at The Village & 3.30pm – 6.30pm
12.00pm – 4.30pm Join Catboy, Owlette and Gecko from PJ Masks at The Friary Guildford
12.00pm – 6.00pm Say hello to some of Santa’s reindeer at The Rotunda
12.00pm – 8.00pm Ice rink open at The Village
1.00pm – 6.00pm Visit the Newfoundland dogs outside Debenhams and around the town
2.00pm Meet Belle from Beauty and the Beast at White Lion Walk
3.20pm The Experience Guildford Stage opens (outside Holy Trinity Church) with performances from Belle and Santa and his Elves!
4.00pm Catch even more live music at Guildford Fringe Buskers’ Corner, down by the Scholar statue
5.15pm See the Mascot parade up the High Street, starting from White Lion Walk

The Main Event

6.00pm Countdown to the switch on with the balcony show from the Guildhall, with Eagle Radio’s Peter Gordon and the stars of the Yvonne Arnaud’s panto, Dick Whittington

7.00pm The Christmas Lights will be switched on, followed by a dazzling fireworks display, sponsored by White Lion Walk Shopping Centre

The Balcony Show will also be broadcast to a big screen opposite Marks and Spencer, so even more people can get a really good view.

And to close the evening…
7.15pm – 8.30pm Entertainment from ACM House Band, Decade Select on Experience Guildford Stage