Preston Christmas Lights Switch On 2018: Timings, parking and who will be performing - everything you need to know about this year's event
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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Hide Ad“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.
“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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Hide AdThe 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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Hide Ad• 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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Hide AdSaturday 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.