Switch On
Sunday 29th November
This year a series of events will be taking place across Coventry city centre on Sunday 29th November as the city begins its countdown to Christmas. From pop acts and celebrity presenters to walkabout characters and street performers, the big switch on promises to be packed full of entertainment for all the family.
Martin Freeman, star of The Office and Coventry’s very own Christmas blockbuster, Nativity, will be joining Wallace & Gromit and the Lord Mayor to help light up the city at this years’ event. The afternoon will also see performances from legendary Soul and R&B artist, Beverley Knight, Britain’s Got Talent Finalists, Elliot Evans, X Factor’s Harmony Hood and much more.
The Big Light Switch On
Broadgate / Travel Lodge Balcony
This Christmas the stage is set for a fantastic afternoon of entertainment with Soul and R&B singer Beverley Knight performing to the crowds at the Christmas Lights Switch on extravaganza!
Presenters from local radio station, Mercia, will kick off the show with a bang at 3.30pm as the Midland’s diva is joined by former contestants of X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, for an evening that promises to have something for everyone.
Walkabout characters and a number of local sports personalities will also be at the event, as the countdown to the 5pm Christmas light switch on gets underway.
Santa’s Reindeers fly in
Lower Precinct
Santa’s trusted companions will be paying a visit to Lower Precinct on Sunday 29th November, as live reindeer come to the city centre.
Rudolph and his friends will be spreading festive cheer to shoppers as they get ready for their annual sleigh pulling trip. Make sure you pay them a visit before they set off and help Father Christmas deliver presents to children around the world.
Santa Claus is coming to town!
West Orchards Shopping Centre
After making a 4000 mile trip from the North Pole, Father Christmas will be parking up his sleigh in West Orchards Shopping Centre from 12 noon on Sunday 29th November to Thursday 24th December, before he embarks on his annual round the world trip.
Excited children (and adults!) can visit Santa and his little helpers in his magical Grotto on Level 3 of the shopping centre throughout the festive period.
Each child that goes through the grotto will receive a special ‘Night Before Christmas In Coventry’ book, for free. They will also have the option to upgrade to a quality digital photo print for £5 and/or a quality present for £4.
On Sunday 29th November Santa will be joined by two live reindeer, a face painter and children’s entertainer, in what will be a day of entertainment for all the family. There will also be special appearances from Peppa Pig and George outside the grotto at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm!
To avoid disappointment, it’s recommended you pre book your visit! From 1st November book online at www.westorchards.co.uk
A celebration of music and dance
Shelton Square
An assortment of dance acts will be entertaining crowds in Shelton Square on 29th November. From street dance to Irish dancing, expect to be amazed by the talent on show.
The Coventry Gingerbread House comes to life
Precinct Cross
3pm on Sunday 29th November marks the grand opening of the Gingerbread House on Precinct Cross. Decorated with giant candy cane pillars and a jammy dodger roof, the ornate structure will come to life, as a family of mysterious characters emerge to entertain the crowds in a magical 45 minute performance.
Over the festive period the residents of the house will be carrying out a series of half an hour performances, in a celebration of music, dance and Christmases gone by.
Clowning around
Cathedral Lanes
The circus is coming to town from 11am – 5pm at Cathedral Lanes shopping centre. A clown act will be entertaining crowds throughout the day by performing tricks and making balloon models. He’ll be joined by two stilt walkers (a Christmas tree and snowman!) together with two free face painters to help you get in that Christmas spirit.
Come and witness the entertainment, in what will be a day of fun and laughter for all the family.