Broadgate to sparkle at this year’s Christmas Lights Switch On 

Coventry’s annual Christmas Light Switch On is back this year with an evening of magical, festive entertainment taking place in the city centre. 

The family-friendly event will be held on Monday 13 November and presented by BBC CWR who will be opening the stage to some of the city’s fantastic local performers. 

Prepare to be wowed as magical performers including angels and elves parade around Broadgate, before a sparkle-dust-sprinkling Christmas fairy swoops across the city centre. 

Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Events, Coventry City Council said: “Once again, we will be holding our fantastic annual Christmas lights switch on in the city centre. 

“It’s another free event hosted by Coventry City Council in partnership with BBC CWR and those attending can look forward to a fantastic evening with music, dance and performances along with some sparkle from our Christmas fairy. 

“We’d love as many people as possible to join us for this magical celebration – it really is the start of the countdown to Christmas in Coventry!” 

The event, which is run by Coventry City Council, will take place in Broadgate in the city centre with a start time of 5:30pm. Entertainment will take place throughout the evening before finishing at 8pm. 

Andrea Procter, Communities Producer at BBC CWR, added: “We are excited to officially kick-start the festive season by helping with Coventry Christmas Light’s switch-on again this year. It’s a wonderful time to come together and celebrate our Christmas stars, who are Making A Difference in their community.” 
 
From Saturday 18 November visitors to the city centre will be able to enjoy festive markets and see the city centre skyline from a glistening big wheel situated in Broadgate. 
 
Late night shopping will start on Wednesday 29 November. Coventry City Council will be offering free parking for entry after 3pm on the following dates in Council run, city centre car parks:

 Cllr Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services, said: “I’m delighted that our free Christmas lights switch on is returning to Broadgate. I know families really enjoy the event and it’s wonderful that so many local performers take part too. 

“When residents and visitors are in the city centre over the festive season, they will be able to enjoy the wonderful lights which are also used to celebrate other occasions such as Diwali and Armistice Day too. 

“We are also bringing back the free after 3pm parking offer in Council run city centre car parks on late night Wednesdays and final week run up to Christmas. It can be an expensive time for people so hopefully this helps a little bit and means people can come and enjoy the lights and other attractions without paying for the cost of parking.” 

More information on Christmas car parking can be found at www.coventry.gov.uk/christmasparking   
 
For more details on the Christmas Lights Switch On, visit www.coventry.gov.uk/christmaslights