Felixstowe Christmas lights switch-on: Everything you need to know
The festive season will officially kick off in Felixstowe this weekend – starting with the annual Lions Club Christmas lights switch-on.
The all-day event, which has been running for over forty years, will commence from midday on Saturday, December 2.
Before the big switch-on at 5pm, residents can enjoy a day of festive events, including live music and stalls, the Lion’s Club BBQ as well as a candlelight parade and a visit from Santa.
The Lions – supported by the Felixstowe Town Council and Felixstowe BID – have also been busy adding a new feature for this year’s spectacle.
When and Where
The all-day event will take place in the Tringle, Hamiltion Road, next to Tesco Extra.
There will be a street market along the same town centre road.
Festivities will start with Andy Rayner at 11.30am, with the switch-on scheduled for 5pm.
Who will be there
Santa will begin his journey through Great Eastern Square just after midday to welcome children to his grotto in Hamiltion Road, which will open at 12.30pm.
There will be live music from Stacey Ellis, Dave Abbot, Kate Mitton as well as a choir performance from Kingsfleet Primary School.
Onlookers will be dazzled after the lights are turned on by Felixstowe’s mayor, Cllr Seamus Bennett at 5pm.
He will also give his Christmas message at 4.56pm – four minutes before the big switch on.
Children's Activities
Apart from meeting Father Christmas, the little ones can take part in a candlelight parade which will begin at the Orwell Hotel at 4pm.
What’s new this year?
Every year the Lions Club work hard to bring something different to the festive light switch-on – this year is no exception.
The town centre will be dazzling with a new light display.
Admissions and parking
Entrance to the event is free.
East Suffolk Council will also be offering free parking in conjuction with the light switch, which will be availble between 3-6pm.
However, regular chargers apply outside those hours.
Full timetable:
A full timetable of the night’s event can be found via this link, but here’s the summary.
- 11.30am: Event kicks off with festive music
- 12.30pm: Santa arrives to his grotto in Hamilton Road
- 4pm: Children wishing to take part in the candlelight parade can meet at the Orwell Hotel
- 4:15pm: Candlelight parade arrives at The Crescent
- 4.56pm: Town mayor gives speech
- 5pm: Lights are switched on
- 6pm: Event finishes
