Local talent to replace celebrity Christmas lights switch on

Matthew Bates

25 October. Updated: 25 October 10:29

COUNCIL bosses have announced the events set to replace the axed annual Christmas lights switch-on.

They will take place at numerous sites on Sunday, November 20 with stages in Precinct Cross and Shelton Square hosting a variety of family-orientated acts.

The announcement comes we reported last week work to Broadgate meant there would not be a lights switch-on.

And instead of the usual raft of celebrities performing and switching the lights on, local music and dance acts will be given a platform to show off their talents. Other performances include a cabaret juggling show and appearances from panto characters.

From 2pm on the same day, the Transport Museum will host up to 60 camper vans and motorhomes which will be decorated with a Christmas theme as part of a new exhibition celebrating surfing Camper Vans, Buggies and Hot Rods.

Market Way and Smithford Way will have a market right up until Christmas Eve with Bratwurst stalls from Germany next to stalls selling goods from Spain, Iran, India, France, Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt.

Some of Coventry's rising stars and established artists to be performing in the shows include Danny Ansell, Big Black Guitars,
The Ripps unplugged and Lloyd McGrath - whose dad won the FA Cup with the Sky Blues.

Performances will start from 4pm, while Saturday afternoons will also have entertainment on both staged areas, with dance, music, fitness and theatre.

City development boss Coun Linda Bigham said: "With work still going on in Broadgate, it has not been possible to use this area for a switch on event.

"However, we are utilising Precinct Cross and Shelton Square to provide a package of entertainment that all the family can enjoy in the run up to Christmas.

"We will be switching on the lights on Sunday, November 20 and this will be supported by a host of home grown talent and children's characters.

"The programming of entertainment throughout late November and December has been designed to support retailers, encourage visitors and to add a sense of vibrancy to the festivities.

"With the inclusion of car parking offers on late night shopping Wednesday's, Coventry city centre is most certainly open for business this festive season."