NHS heroes turning on Plymouth city centre Christmas lights
The festivities will kick-start later, marking the start of late night shopping every Thursday
The stars of Plymouth’s health service will be celebrated this festive season as they take on the honour of switching on the Christmas lights this evening.
Local NHS staff will take to the stage in the Piazza for the big moment, turning on the city’s brand new light displays tonight (Thursday 18 November).
The NHS workers, who were nominated by their colleagues for the hard work and dedication they’ve shown throughout the pandemic, include:
- Marie Whitley, former Matron for Home Park Mass Vaccination Centre and Clinical Head of Governance
- Girish Viswanathan, Consultant Cardiologist and Service Line Director for Cardiology
- Makala Sperduti, a member of the invaluable Hotel Services Team who provide cleaning and catering for patients
- Naomi Lean, Senior Occupational Therapist
- Kelly James, Staff Nurse
The Christmas Lights Switch-on event will start at 4pm and includes an amazing line-up of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
Plymouth's new lights are specifically themed to reflect the city's connections with the sea.
A beautiful wave-shaped arch will form a new walk-through entrance to Plymouth Christmas Market (2 to 19 December) close to the Sundial, whilst at the other end of the market the giant bauble archway will be redressed in multi-coloured lights.
Elsewhere in the city centre the streets will be lit up with giant sail banners and, for the first time in the city, curtains of light and other features that can be animated and used all year-round.
The new displays will include banners stretched across New George Street and Cornwall Street and sail banners on street lamps throughout the city centre, as well as colourful contemporary lighting displays in the trees in Frankfort Gate, the West End and Armada Way.
This year will see new additions to the illuminations. A ‘light ceiling’ will cover part of Mayflower Street, with rows of lights stretched across the road.
The side of House of Fraser facing Armada Way will be covered in an impressive light curtain which will feature Christmas messaging and displays throughout the festive period.
Steve Hughes, Chief Executive of Plymouth City Centre Company, said: "We’re all set to enjoy a bumper Christmas in Plymouth this year.
"The lights switch-on is always a very popular event, but this year it’s extra exciting because it will be the first time everyone can see the brand new lights on show.
"We’re delighted that NHS staff will be joining us to turn on the lights this year. They have worked so hard during the pandemic and done so much to support the people of Plymouth, and this is our chance to say a big thank you.
"Come on down to the event to show your support and we can guarantee you’ll be feeling festive in no time at all!
"And don’t forget that this is just the start of the festive season in Plymouth, with more amazing events to come including the spectacular Roots Up! Hip Hop festival on 19 November and the Christmas Market from 2 to 19 December."
Steve Hughes - Plymouth City Centre Company
The events will start with performances of carols and popular Christmas songs from local groups and choirs: Glen Park Primary School, St Matthew’s CofE Primary School, Morley Meadow Primary School, Stonehouse Community Voices Choir, Plymouth Performing Arts Academy and Plymkids.
The Enchanted Entertainment princesses will also take to the stage, bringing their signature touch of magic to proceedings. Three-year-old Gigi Hobbs, recently crowned Miss Devon Princess, will also make an appearance on stage.
Don’t miss the big switch-on moment, which is due to take place between 6pm and 6.30pm.
Once the stunning new light displays are illuminating the city centre, popular funk, soul and blues band Joey The Lips will take to the stage for a headline performance.
The following day, on Friday 19 November, the stage on the Piazza will host Street Factory’s Roots Up! Hip Hop festival from 6pm to 9pm.
For more information about all the events taking place this Christmas in Plymouth, please see visitplymouth.co.uk/Christmas.