Sitcom star and panto performers to turn on Lincoln Christmas lights

Update: Sadly Gary Barlow lookalike Dan Hadfield will no longer be performing at the Christmas Light switch on due to illness.

He wrote the following message on his Facebook page:

“I’m devastated to have to let you know that, due to a severe chest infection this past week, I won’t be able to perform at the Lincoln Christmas Lights Switch-On tomorrow. I’ve tried desperately to get well this week, but unfortunately this has left me without a singing voice. It goes without saying that this decision hasn’t been made lightly, as Lincoln means a lot to me and being asked to do this was a real honour.

“Thank you to anyone who was planning to come to watch. Lincs FM will be making an announcement shortly as to who will be performing in my place, and all I ask is that you please continue to show your support in Lincoln at what I’m sure will still be a fantastic event. ”

Update 2: Tribute act Pure Barlow will be standing in for Dan Hadfield at the switch on event. He’ll be performing a rendition of A Million Love Songs.

The lights will be turned on at 6.30pm.

A former ‘Allo ‘Allo! actress, panto stars, a magician and a Gary Barlow lookalike will switch on the city’s annual Christmas lights.

Vicki Michelle, who also starred in last year’s ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’, will turn on the Lincoln High Street Christmas lights along with comedian and magician Martin Daniels.

Both can be seen this festive season in the Lincoln Theatre Royal’s panto Sleeping Beauty.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Joining the pair on stage on Thursday, November 19, will be the winner of the Mayor of Lincoln’s Christmas Card competition.

The festivities at the War Memorial on High Street will start at 5.30pm and will feature traditional Christmas carols performed by the Salvation Army, plus fairy tale characters for children and adults to enjoy, and entertainment from Adi Ley.

The event will be hosted by BBC Radio Lincolnshire Breakfast Show presenters Scott Dalton and Carla George.

A civic procession will take place from the Guildhall as the Salvation Army Band play carols before the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Andrew Kerry, delivers his Christmas message and the lights are switched on at 7.10pm.

Kate Fenn, Civic Manager at City of Lincoln Council, said: “We usually see a good turnout for the switch on and it’s a great atmosphere, getting everyone into the festive spirit.

“Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy toy-making schedule to see the children, and his elves will also be taking donations for the Mayor’s charity – LIVES (Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Service).

“There’ll be something for all the family to enjoy.”

St Marks lights

Gary Barlow tribute act Dan Hadfield. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

A second switch on will take place on the same day at the St Marks Shopping Centre from 5pm, with Lincoln’s very own Gary Barlow, Dan Hadfield, turning on the lights.

Dan said: “I live with the Gary Barlow connection every day, so I’m not star struck by him anymore. He’s such an ordinary guy, but with an extraordinary talent.

“It’s been a pleasure to cross paths with him a few times already, and he’s been extraordinarily nice about me and what I’m doing.

“I’m from Lincolnshire and I love performing in my home county. I have many friends and followers here, so I love nothing more than coming home to do a show.”

He’ll be joined by the cast of this year’s Drill Hall pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, children’s entertainer JJ and Lincs FM.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite