One Plymouth - Hannah Pooley
Barbican Lights Switch on 2023
Dame Darcy Bussell and Santa at The Barbican lights switch on 2023
Plymouth’s waterfront came alive with festive cheer on Saturday as Plymouth Waterfront Partnership (PWP) hosted its annual Christmas lights switch-on event. The event, sponsored by JHAV, featured an afternoon of free family-friendly activities, followed by the much-anticipated lights switch-on.
Over 12,000 people gathered to witness the spectacular lighting display, installed and maintained by lighting specialists LITE and Arlo Solutions SW Limited, which illuminated the Barbican into a sparkling spectacle. 2.57miles of cables are lighting up the Barbican this Christmas with a combination of over 50,000 pixels, lamps and LEDs too!
With a little help from his friends at the RNLI, Plymouth Lifeboat Station, Father Christmas arrived to the Barbican Landing Stage ready to join Dame Darcey Bussell DBE on the festive bus situated on Southside Street. Dame Darcey had the honour of hitting the big switch to illuminate the Barbican and truly marking the start of Christmas in Plymouth’s historic quarter at 5.30pm.
Following the light switch on Dame Darcey, along with the Lord Mayor, presented PWP Community Hero for 2023, Professor Jacqui Stedmon, co-founder of local charity Jeremiah’s Journey with her award. Jeremiah Bear, Jeremiah’s Journey’s mascot also made a special appearance!
Jon Walton, CEO, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership:
“Wow, just wow. I have been involved in events for many years but this year has been a real blast! We have beaten targets and most importantly have got great business feedback for all of our signature events. The lights switch on was amazing, staggering numbers and just a great atmosphere. Having Dame Darcey Bussell and Professor Jacqui Stedmon here just added to a wonderful all-round time here in our Ocean City.”
There were stalls selling festive refreshments and gifts, as well as a variety of live entertainment, including choirs, bands, and dance groups. The event also featured a festive bus parade along the waterfront with Santa and other special guests.
The Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On heralds the start of a busy few weeks for the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and local businesses.
Next week (Wednesday 29 November) the Barbican will be welcoming the UK’s largest illuminated Santa, Mr Kriss, who will provide the perfect opportunity for ‘Santa Selfies’; and there will be a giant 3m tall post box next to Mr Kriss with a special light show to let everyone know the letter is on its way to the North Pole!
On Sunday 3 December, the Barbican and waterfront host the returning Santa Fun Run with support from PWP. Organised by Saltram Rotary Club and raising much needed funds for two local charities, Jeremiah’s Journey and Shekinah, the Santa Fun Run will see up to 1,000 Santas take to the city’s historic quarter as they walk or run either a 2.5km or 5km route.
Entries are open now via https://plymouthsantafunrun.co.uk. All entrants receive a FREE Santa Suit and finishing medal with the entry fee (adults £15 and children £5 each). Ho! Ho! Hoe!