Preston Christmas Lights Switch On 2018: Timings, parking and who will be performing - everything you need to know about this year's event

Planning for this year's big Christmas lights switch on in Preston is well under way.
Last year's Christmas Lights Switch OnLast year's Christmas Lights Switch On
Last year's Christmas Lights Switch On

Previous years have seen big names such as Steve McFadden and Heather Small switch on the city's festive lights.

Mark Whittle, manager of Preston BID , said: “The Switch On is one of the city’s most eagerly anticipated events each year.

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“In fact, it’s the largest in Lancashire, attracting thousands of people each year. Once again we promise to deliver a fantastic free event for all the family.

The Christmas Switch On event attracts thousands of people into Preston city centreThe Christmas Switch On event attracts thousands of people into Preston city centre
The Christmas Switch On event attracts thousands of people into Preston city centre

“We can confirm that the younger members of the family will be really excited with one of the acts already confirmed to appear; with more acts to be added to the event line-up in the coming days”.

When is the big switch on and what time will it start?

Preston’s big Christmas Lights switch-on will take place on Saturday November 24 and will run from 5.45pm.

Where will the event take place?

As in previous years, the big switch on will take place on Preston's Flag Market.

Who is hosting the event?

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The event is hosted by Preston Business Improvement District and Smooth Radio North West, and is sponsored by the The Shankly Hotel, Preston’s College and The Fishergate Shopping Centre.

Who will be performing?

• Children’s TV favourite Andy Day (CBeebies, BAFTA Nominated; programmes include ‘Andy’s Wild Adventures’ and ‘Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures’)

• Corrie’s David Platt, actor, Jack P Shepherd, (almost two-decades on Coronation Street, crowned ‘Best Soap Actor’ at British Soap Awards 2018)

• The original lead singer of Rose Royce Gwen Dickey (Car Wash, Wishing On A Star, If It’s Love You’re After),

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• B*Witched’s Edele Lynch (C’est la vie, Rollercoaster, Blame It On The Weatherman),

• ​The Opera Guy

​• Preston’s Charlotte Lily, who starred on the X Factor

• Soul sensation Renee Mare and the cast of Cinderella at Preston’s Guild Hall.

Will there be free parking?

Preston City Council is offering free parking in the Market Hall Car Park from 3pm on Saturday November 24 for the Christmas Concert & Lights Switch On.

In addition to free parking for the Switch On, there is free parking throughout the festive period:

Market Hall Car Park – Preston City Council

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Saturday 24 November (Christmas Concert & Switch On) – from 3.00pm

Thursday 29 November from 5.00pm

Sunday 2 December from 3.00pm

Thursday 6 December from 5.00pm

Sunday 9 December from 3.00pm

Thursday 13 December from 5.00pm

Sunday 16 December from 3.00pm

Thursday 20 December from 5.00pm

Sunday 23 December from 3.00pm

Monday 24 December from 1.00pm

Lancashire County Council - Arthur Street Car Park

Every Saturday and Sunday from November 24th

(Switch On) plus

Saturday 22nd

December – Wednesday 26th

December – 8am – 10pm and Saturday 29th

December – Tuesday 1st

January 2019 – 8am – 10pm

University of Central Lancashire

Free parking from 6pm – 9pm Mon – Fri from 26th November to 21st

December at Fylde 2

car park (PR1 2ED)

Free parking on Saturdays until 7pm and Sundays until 6pm at Whitendale car park (PR1 7BG)

Free parking at Victoria 2 car park (PR1 7AY), Saturdays until 7pm and Sundays until 6pm,

Christmas Eve 24th December to 2nd January until 7pm (excluding Xmas Day)

The shopping centres are also to offer complimentary parking across the period with details to be announced shortly.