Shrewsbury Town Council’s staff are adding the finishing touches to preparations for one of the town’s most magical nights of the year — the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, which takes place next Wednesday.
The festivities will begin at 4.30pm in the Square, with a packed programme of free family entertainment leading up to the big switch-on at 6.30pm.
BBC Radio Shropshire’s Clare Ashford will host the evening, introducing a sparkling line-up of local talent. Among the performers are Catchlights Performing Arts School – a vibrant group ranging from 0-19 year-olds who are building skills in singing, dancing, and acting for stage and screen. Also performing will be Identity School of Dance, who offer weekly classes in dance, musical theatre, and singing for both children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities.
Adding a touch of panto magic, Shrewsbury’s legendary dame Brad Fitt will appear alongside members of the cast of Dick Whittington and His Cat, which opens at Theatre Severn on Friday 28 November and runs throughout the festive season.
The evening’s entertainment will conclude with festive favourites performed by the Porthywaen Silver Band and the Shrewsbury Male Voice Choir, leading perfectly into the all-important countdown at 6.30pm.
As the crowd gathers, volunteers from Hickory’s Smokehouse will be spreading cheer with complimentary bags of popcorn – and they’ll also be lending a hand after the event with a community litter pick.
This year’s Christmas Lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Alex Wagner, who said:
“I’d love you to join us for the Christmas light switch-on — a joyful moment where neighbours, families and friends come together to celebrate our town. Wrap up warm, bring a smile, and let’s make Shrewsbury shine.”
The festive fun doesn’t end there — Santa and his sleigh will be greeting families at the bottom of Pride Hill all evening, courtesy of the Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club, while Alan Stokes Funfair brings a selection of children’s fairground rides to Shoplatch, perfect for younger visitors.
It’s also the first of three late-night openings at Shrewsbury Market Hall, where traders will be joined by the Shrewsbury Food Hub, cooking up seasonal treats and serving mulled wine to raise money for local causes. The Market Hall will stay open until 8pm, with further late-night openings planned for Saturday 6 December and Wednesday 17 December – the latter coinciding with the ever-popular Carols in the Square event.
We have been advised that The Darwin Shopping Centre will also remain open until 8pm, including access to the multi-storey car park. At the entrance, the town’s much-loved giant reindeer Shrewdolph will make his dazzling return, with his own switch-on perfectly timed to coincide with the Square countdown at 6.30pm. At the same moment, the Quarry Christmas Tree will also be illuminated, spreading festive sparkle right across town.
To keep everyone safe, road closures will be in place from 4.30pm to 8.00pm on Wyle Cop (inbound), High Street, Princess Street, and Shoplatch. The Square itself will be closed to all traffic from 8.00am. The Shrewsbury Street Pastors will also be in attendance to provide support to people at the event.
For those unable to make it in person, the Christmas Lights Switch-On will be live streamed, with a link available via the Shrewsbury Town Council website at www.shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk.