Fylde coast town set to sparkle as thousands expected at spectacular Christmas lights switch on event

Lytham is preparing for one of its most eagerly anticipated days of the year as the town's much-loved Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on Saturday, November 14.

Thousands of people are expected to turn out to enjoy an afternoon and evening of festive entertainment, music and community celebration at the heart of the town.

From 2pm until 8pm, Clifton Square and the surrounding streets will come alive with live performances, children's rides, festive characters and seasonal attractions, culminating in the Christmas Lights Switch On at 7pm.

Organised by the Lytham Christmas team on behalf of Lytham Business Partnership, the free event will bring together more than 400 performers, organisers and volunteers in a celebration for all generations.

The festivities will begin with local choirs, singers, dance groups and talented young performers taking to the main stage in Clifton Square, while pop-up performance areas along Clifton Street add to the lively atmosphere.

Younger visitors can enjoy children's rides and attractions in Market Square and Henry Street, alongside festive characters, walkabout entertainment and plenty of opportunities for Christmas photographs.

From 4pm, the area around St Peter's Church will become a lively gathering point, with music from the Blackburn with Darwen Brass Band and flame performances by Risqué Agence.

At approximately 4.45pm–5pm, the Christmas Parade gets underway, featuring Lytham Town Crier Kira Redfearn, colourful characters, Santa aboard his sleigh and the RNLI lifeboat.

Meanwhile, the Switch On concert in Clifton Square will be hosted by local entertainer and firefighter Paul O'Brien, a longstanding member of the organising team.

The evening's line-up includes the Deadbeats, alongside Diane Lynn as Tina Turner, The Boogie Brothers, Kerry Rogers and DJ Curtis Knight.

At 7pm, thousands are expected to gather for the traditional countdown as Lytham's Christmas lights illuminate the town.

Switching them on this year will be Neil and Fiona Baynton-Roberts, founders of the much-loved local charity Live Like Ralph.

Following the sudden loss of their son Ralph nearly six years ago, Neil and Fiona have dedicated themselves to creating opportunities for young people in his memory.

Suzanne Taylor, Chair of Lytham Business Partnership and Event Manager, said: "Lytham's Christmas Switch On is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together and we’ve worked hard to create something for everyone.

“It takes an enormous amount of planning, goodwill and generosity to create an event of this scale, and we're incredibly grateful to the performers, volunteers, businesses and organisations who make it possible."

Although the performances are free to watch, the event relies on donations and sponsorship and principal sponsors this year include Stringers Department Store, Lytham Festival, Phil's Bakery, Bond and Bloom Florists, Lytham Dental Clinic and Savannahs, while the Christmas tree is sponsored by Mary E Lowe, Solicitor.

A grant from Fylde Council contributes towards the installation of the town's Christmas lights, while Lytham Town Council has funded beautiful new illuminations along Clifton Street, adding even more sparkle to this year's festive display.

The festivities don't end when the Christmas lights come on. The very next day, preparations begin in Clifton Square for Lytham On Ice, as the town's real ice rink starts to take shape ahead of it being available to enjoy from November 28.

Advance bookings can be made at www.lythamonice.com