COVENTRY will be underneath a ‘sky full of stars’ when this year’s annual Christmas lights switch-on takes place in Broadgate next month.
The family-friendly event will showcase some of the city’s best musical talent during the family-friendly event between 6.30pm and 7.45pm on November 17.
The ‘Coventry Stars’ extravaganza will start with a magical musical drumming parade as Spark! take the audience on a promenade through Broadgate and the new landscaping.
It will then climax with the countdown and switching on of this year’s display, featuring DJ Santa and a rooftop firework finale.
Prominent areas illuminated, including Cathedral Lanes, Upper Precinct, Smithford Way and Market Way, alongside additional city centre streets and the Broadgate canopy.
The ‘Coventry Stars’ switch-on event is being organised by Coventry City Council and presented by BBC CWR, with the extra funding and support for city centre lighting through the Coventry BID.
Trish Willetts, BID director, said the organisation was delighted to be working with the council and providing significant investment.
“On behalf of Coventry BID we hope everyone enjoys the event and lights this year and has a wonderful family time.”
Coun Abdul Salam Khan, Coventry City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Events, said: “The annual switch-on event for the Christmas lights is always a popular date in the city’s events calendar and one that people look out for.
“With last year’s public event having to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 restrictions, we want to bring back the sparkle and fun into the city centre as we all look forward to a wonderful time of the year.”
Gareth Roberts, executive editor BBC CWR, said: “Coventry’s Christmas light switch-on is always a magical, family friendly celebration and after a challenging year we want to help create a really special moment to highlight the local stars who really make a difference in the city.”
There will also be free parking after 3pm on November 17 and every Wednesday after that up until Christmas Day to encourage more shoppers and city centre footfall.
Free parking will also be in force every day between December 20 to 24.
Coun Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member, for City Services, added: “We know traders and businesses have had a very challenging time during the pandemic and the tough period that many members of the public have also had, so we want to actively encourage as many people as possible to shop local this year.
“I hope people will come out and make the most of the evening as well as in the lead up to Christmas, spend time shopping and enjoying the food and drink venues to mark the start of Coventry’s festive period.”
