Christmas lights switch-on due to illuminate Douglas city centre

The annual switch-on of the lights in the island's capital attracts thousands of revellers

Christmas is set to burst into life in the Isle of Man's capital as the annual lights switch-on takes place.

Organised by the local authority, about 7,000 revellers visited Douglas for the annual event last year.

The celebrations also mark the start of late-night shopping in the high street.

City centre manager Oliver Cheshire the event would feature a range of "annual favourites" as well as "new attractions for all the family".

The festivities start at 17:30 GMT, with the switch-on due to take place at 19:00.

The lights switch-on marks the start of late night shopping in Strand Street

Mr Cheshire said: "Christmas is a special time of year with people coming from all over the Island to see the lights and experience the Douglas atmosphere.

'We look forward to a night of festive fun, spreading the joy and supporting local businesses by shopping locally.

"It will be wonderful to see so much going on in various spaces across the centre of Douglas. All the activities are completely free and, when the clock strikes seven o'clock, I've no doubt the lights will appear and people will cheer."

There will be entertainment including choirs, bands, festive markets and a "host of fun characters" to entertain children on Thursday evenings and weekends in the run up to Christmas, he added.

Free parking in the council's Shaw's Brow and Bottleneck car parks will be available on Thursday evenings between 17:00 and 22:00 over that time.

The festivities follow the return of parking on the Promenade Walkway to encourage more shoppers into the city centre on Wednesday.

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