Everybody’s talking about Christmas in Sheffield

Sheffield is set to sparkle, and everybody will be talking about it, as real-life star of the Sheffield based hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, takes to the stage to light up the city this Sunday 21 November.

Jamie Campbell will be joined by The Lord Mayor of Sheffield and Santa for Sheffield Christmas light switch on, hosted by Heart’s Dixie and Emma, for the big countdown before pushing the plunger and turning Sheffield in to a Winter Wonderland.

Festive activities will take place throughout the day from 2pm, with live entertainment from 4.30pm in Barker’s Pool. Hype Dance Academy will be busting some moves, there’ll be plenty of harmony from the Stage Coach Choir, plus Kyle Tomlinson and Channy will wow the crowds with solo performances.

The lights will be turned on across the city centre at 5.30pm, followed by an exciting firework display making Sheffield shine brighter than ever this Christmas.  

Outside the Town Hall the cast of Sheffield’s festive panto Sleeping Beauty, and children’s characters will be meeting and greeting eventgoers.

Sheffield’s Christmas market, which opened at the beginning of the week will be in full swing so those watching the big switch on can enjoy some festive treats and snap up some stocking fillers along the way.

The grown-ups can soak up the atmosphere and keep warm in the cosy bars with hot chocolate or a glass of mulled winter classics, at the Alpine Bar on Fargate and the brand new Alpine Lodge in the Peace Gardens.

Kids young and old will have the chance to meet Santa and his elves at the magical grotto on Pinstone Street – there’s no need to book but queues are expected.

Visitors can also jump on the big wheel and take a festive spin to see Sheffield twinkle from above or hop on the fairground rides for some family fun.

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Executive Member for City Futures: Development, Culture and Regeneration, said:

“It's fantastic to see the city centre buzzing with unique market stalls, fun rides, cosy bars, and a grotto, and the exciting light switch on event will really bring the magic alive on Sunday. After the success of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie this year, we’re honoured to have Jamie himself here with us to make Sheffield shine this Christmas.

“This is a great opportunity for some festive family fun, while grabbing gifts and treats, and supporting all the fantastic retailers and businesses in the city. The huge programme of events we hosted throughout the summer and autumn saw footfall soar in Sheffield, and I’m sure we’ll see that continue into this festive season and beyond.

“We want everyone to enjoy spending time our wonderful city, I hope you'll all make the most of it and join us to celebrate Christmas in Sheffield.”

Jamie Campbell said: 

"What an honour it is to have been asked to turn on the Christmas lights in Sheffield. Catch me on Sunday at around 5:30 lighting up the streets of the Steel City. I’m so excited to get dolled up and have a festive frolic with you all. See you there."

Heart’s Drivetime duo will be joined by entertainment acts from 4.30pm as follows:

• 4.30 - STAGECOACH CHOIR
• 4.40 – Panto dame DAMIAN WILLIAMS
• 4.45 - HYPE DANCE
• 4.50 - CHANNY
• 5.10 - KYLE TOMLINSON
• 5.30 – BIG SWITCH ON with JAMIE CAMPBELL & LORD MAYOR

This event is free to attend but individual charges will apply for rides and activities.

Road closures will be in place on Sunday 21 November, from 7.30am to 8.30pm on Surrey Street, Holly Street and Balm Green, and from 10am to 8.30pm on Fargate, Norfolk Row, Leopold Street, Pinstone Street, Cross Burgess Street, Cambridge Street and Tudor Square.

If attending, people are advised to wear face coverings in crowded areas and to keep sanitising their hands. Anyone with Covid symptoms or who is self isolating should not attend.

ENDS