November 14, 2016 10.08 am This story is over 88 months old

Stars prepare to illuminate Lincoln’s Christmas lights this week

The festive period kicks off in Lincoln this week with the annual Christmas lights switch-ons at St Marks Shopping Centre and on the High Street. Crowds on High Street will be joined by stars including Rio 2016 Paralympics hero Sophie Wells and TV personality Kerry Katona on Thursday, November 17. There will also be performances from the…

The festive period kicks off in Lincoln this week with the annual Christmas lights switch-ons at St Marks Shopping Centre and on the High Street.

Crowds on High Street will be joined by stars including Rio 2016 Paralympics hero Sophie Wells and TV personality Kerry Katona on Thursday, November 17.

There will also be performances from the Salvation Army Band, a visit from Santa Claus and his elves, and the Christmas lights switch-on itself.

The High Street event will start at 5.30pm on the stage in front of the War Memorial. The lights will be switched on just after 7pm.

Lights and crowds on Lincoln High Street. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lights and crowds on Lincoln High Street. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Also attending the switch-on ceremony will be CBBC presenter Christopher Johnson and fellow stars of the New Theatre Royal’s pantomime ‘Cinderella’, along with ‘Gustav’ from the Drill Hall’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ production.

At 6.55pm, the Civic party and the evening’s special guests will arrive on stage followed by the official lights switch-on.

The light at St Marks Shopping Centre will be switched on at 6.30pm with the cast of Lincoln Drill Hall’s Beauty and the Beast pantomime and Almost Olly, an Olly Murs tribute act.

Crowds at the St Mark's Christmas lights switch-on. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Crowds at the St Mark’s Christmas lights switch-on. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Kate Fenn, Civic and International Partnerships Manager at City of Lincoln Council, said: “We’re delighted to have such a fantastic line-up for our Christmas lights celebration this year.

“There really is something for all the family to enjoy.”

After the lights are switched on on High Street, Sophie Wells, Kerry Katona, Christopher Johnson and ‘Gustav’ from the Drill Hall’s pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be signing autographs at the Waterside Shopping Centre.

For information on Christmas lights switch-ons across the county, also see: What’s on: Christmas lights switch-ons across Lincolnshire 2016.