City's light switch-on to kick off festivities

Lincoln's Christmas lights will be switched on on 28 November

A city's annual Christmas lights switch-on event will mark the start of seasonal events.

Lincoln's Christmas lights will be turned on on Thursday, with late-night shopping and an ice sculpture trail, to follow.

Last year, City of Lincoln Council invested £140,000 in lights and illuminations, which will be seen all over the city during the festive period.

The Mayor of Lincoln, councillor Alan Briggs and stars of this year's pantomime, Snow White, will be throwing the switch.

BBC Lincolnshire presenters Scott Dalton and Richard Stead will also make an appearance at the event.

The festivities will begin at 16:30 GMT on Lincoln's high street with a DJ set from Ross Carrick, followed by a variety of acts.

The main stage will be in front of the War Memorial with the official switch-on of the lights taking place at 19:10.

Programme of events:

The confirmed programme of events includes:

16:30: A DJ set from Ross Carrick

17:50: Scott Dalton and Richard Stead will arrive on stage

18:00: The cast of the University of Lincoln’s production of ‘The Snow Queen’ will perform

18:15: Soloist Jodie State will hit the stage

18:30: County Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Choir will perform

18:50: The cast of Snow White will give the audience a sneak peak of their show

19:00: Mayor and Civic Party to arrive on stage

19:10: Lights switched-on

Kate Fenn, who organised the event, said: "I'm looking forward to another fun-packed evening for one of our much-loved annual events.

"It will be filled with fantastic performances and entertainment. I can’t wait to see Lincoln’s city centre come alive with the spirit of the season."

The switch-on will mark the start of late-night shopping in Lincoln, with some stores staying open later on selected dates in the run up to Christmas.

Lincoln's Ice Adventure will also return on 7 and 8 of December, with 16 ice sculptures being spread across the city centre.

Free parking will be available to visitors attending the event.

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