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Hull city centre will be filled with Christmas cheer as the festive season kicks off with the annual Christmas lights switch-on

Following its cancellation in 2020, next Thursday (18 November) Queen Victoria Square will come alive with live entertainment from Hull City Hall balcony, full lighting displays and a stunning 50ft Norway Spruce.

Kicking off at 5pm, compere Father Christmas (Andy Train) will introduce a number of local artists who will entertain crowds until 6.45pm when there will be the countdown and switch-on from the Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Lynn Petrini. A short fireworks display will accompany the switch-on (weather dependent).

Free mince pies are up for grabs to people attending this year’s event courtesy of local company BBF Limited.

The night will also kick off a seven-week music and lighting scheme each day/evening across the square alongside a further lighting scheme of the Albion Square building, starting Friday 19 November.

In addition, the three Saturdays in December (4, 11, 18) will see city centre come to life with Christmas-themed street theatre entertainment. Fairy stilt walkers, walking Brussels sprouts, roller skating illuminated Christmas presents, a sofa-driving Santa and a mobile piano playing nun will be just some of the characters taking to the streets 11am – 3pm on each Saturday.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Lynn Petrini said:

“This Christmas the city centre is ready to welcome visitors in true festive style.

“I’m delighted to be switching on the lights and kicking the season off, and it’s great to see that anyone doing their Christmas shopping will be entertained with lights, music and performance, including some very special animations right through November and December.

“I look forward to seeing lots of happy faces next week ready to get Christmas started!”

Christmas lighting schemes will fill Ferensway, Brook Street, Paragon Street, Jameson Street, King Edward Street, Prospect Street, Bond Street, Lowgate and Market Place, High Street, Scale Lane, Whitefriargate, Silver Street, Princes Dock Street, Alfred Gelder Street, Carr Lane and Albion Street. Kingston Square and Hull Marina will also be decorated for the season.

Alongside the Queen Victoria Spruce, additional Christmas trees will also adorn Hepworths Arcade, Trinity Market, StreetLife Museum and Ferens Art Gallery.

Everyone attending the event is encouraged to take all precautions to prevent catching or spreading Coronavirus:

  • Take a no-symptom test (LFT) before attending. Tests are free, you can have a test or collect at-home kits at pop-up clinics. Check the council website and social media for daily updates
  • Wear a face covering
  • Wash or sanitise hands frequently
  • Stay at home if you feel unwell
  • If you have Coronavirus symptoms (temperature, cough, can’t taste or smell food or drink) isolate at home and book a PCR test. Everyone with symptoms or a positive test must isolate, including those who are fully vaccinated

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