The Barbican lights, Plymouth
The Barbican lights, Plymouth
It’s a cracker of an opportunity – the chance to recognise an unsung hero and put the festive sparkle into Plymouth’s Barbican at the same time.
Plymouth Waterfront Partnership (PWP) is looking for people to nominate their extra special 2023 Community Hero, with the winner joining the Lord Mayor, Santa and special guest Dame Darcey Bussell DBE at the PWP Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-on, sponsored by JHAV.
The event, on Saturday, November 18, will not only illuminate Southside Street ahead of the festive season but shine a light on a deserving individual who has gone above and beyond to support the community in Plymouth this year.
Jon Walton, Chief Executive of PWP, said:
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-on, which is one of the waterfront’s festive highlights and a great opportunity to support our amazing local businesses and have a lot of fun!
“All that we’re missing is a Community Hero to take on the honour of switching on the lights. Is there someone in your local community who goes above and beyond to help friends and neighbours? Perhaps you know someone who volunteers, organises litter picks, fundraises for charity? This is our chance to say a huge thank you to an unsung hero and celebrate all their hard work.
“This is a celebration of all that is good in Plymouth and a community event that should be led by the community."
Dame Darcey said:
“I’m thrilled to have been asked to switch on the Barbican Christmas lights this year alongside the Community Hero. Having taken up the role of Chair of the Board at the Theatre Royal Plymouth earlier this year, my husband and I can’t wait to enjoy the waterfront and city during the festive period.”
Community Hero nominations can be made on the Visit Plymouth website, by explaining, in a maximum of 150 words, why the nominee should be chosen. Nominations are open now and close on Sunday 5 November.
The nominee must live in Plymouth and be available to attend the event on November 18 which will launch the Christmas campaign for the waterfront.
On the day of the switch-on, the festive fun will begin at 12pm with lots of free activities and entertainment across the Barbican. Children will be able to visit Santa in his grotto, after he arrives from across the water on the RNLI boat.
Families can soak up the festive joy as local choirs perform on The Parade. There will be Christmas themed street entertainers and performers, festive storytelling, rides to enjoy, plus a selection of stalls selling delicious Christmas treats. And your pawesome pals won’t need to miss out either with a family friendly dog show being organised by Gables held during the afternoon also.
Look out for the festive bus on Southside Street where our nominated hero will join our special guest Dame Darcey and together they will be switching on the Christmas lights at approximately 5.30pm.
Find out more about the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-on and how to nominate your Community Hero, by visiting the website https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/barbican-christmas-lights-switch-on-p2140763