Local Lioness to light up city centre and kick off Christmas in Sheffield

The Sheffield Christmas Light Switch On takes place this Sunday 20 November and it’s jingle ball the way as Sheffield's proud Lioness Ellie Roebuck pushes the plunger with the Lord Mayor to light up the city.

Following their showstopping performance on the pitch during the UEFA Women’s EUROs this summer, England’s Lionesses have captured the hearts of the nation, and with Sheffield playing such a monumental part in their journey to victory the city will welcome Ellie back home with open arms to kick off the festive season together.

England's Ellie Roebuck at Bramall Lane in Sheffield

A full day of festive entertainment will lead up to the main event, with Heart Yorkshire taking to the stage at Barker’s Pool from 3.30pm bringing live music and dance to warm up the crowds.

Panto stars from Sheffield Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk production will also share some Christmas joy live from the stage.

Christmas is in safe hands, as Lioness Goalkeeper Ellie will then join with Lord Mayor of Sheffield Cllr Sioned Mair Richards, for the countdown before the big switch lights up Sheffield, followed by fireworks to bring in the season.

England (and Manchester City) Goalkeeper, Ellie Roebuck, said: “Sheffield is my home, where my journey began, and I’m so proud that the city played such a big part of our Women’s EURO story this summer. Just as Sheffield showed up for us and lit up that experience with your amazing support, I can’t wait to light up our city, and to kick off the Christmas celebrations with you all.”

Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee, said: “After a summer of amazing football which Sheffield truly embraced it’s fantastic to have Lioness Ellie back with us for more celebrations. England’s women have been a true inspiration to so many young people in this city and I know our families will be thrilled to see them take centre stage once again.

“It’s going to be a full day of festive fun, the markets, bars and rides will be in full swing, and we’ve got lots of characters and live entertainment to keep everyone in festive spirits. The switch on marks the start of Sheffield’s Christmas season and the fun will go on right through December.”

Timings for the day

The Christmas Market stalls, bars, grotto and rides will be open all day from 10am.

Festive characters will be roaming across the city centre throughout the day.

From 4pm Heart Yorkshire will begin their live entertainment from the Barkers Pool stage kicking off with Dixie’s DJ hour, followed by Dixie and Emma introducing dance acts, choirs and panto stars.

Heart Yorkshire's Dixie brings the festive vibes to Sheffield in 2021

Next up former Sheffield busker and Britain’s Got Talent’s singing sensation Maxwell Thorpe will deliver and a huge vocal performance. After his success on Britain’s Got Talent, local lad Maxwell is performing in the Sheffield Theatres festive panto. His set on Sunday, at around 5.45pm, will feature the debut live performance of his brand-new single ‘Believe’ with Sheffield’s Christmas Light Switch on audience the very first to hear it publicly. The single is being released in support of Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Lioness, Ellie will take to the stage with the Lord Mayor of Sheffield and the main man himself Father Christmas to greet crowds before joining together for the big countdown and pushing the plunger to light up the city at 6pm.

Once the lights are on, fireworks will light up the skies across the city centre kicking Christmas off with a bang!

Check out the city centre map showing where all the Christmas action is happening

For more info about all things Christmassy in Sheffield visit Welcome to Sheffield

And check out details of all our city centre Christmas activities