The line-up for Huddersfield’s Christmas lights switch-on in St George’s Square has been confirmed.

The switch will be flicked by Mayor of Kirklees Clr Cahal Burke and characters from the pantomime Cinderella being staged at the Lawrence Batley Theatre.

A day-long programme of fun activities will take place on switch-on day, Saturday November 18.

St George’s Square will become a hive of festive activities with live music, a Christmas Market, family entertainment, creative workshops, pretend snow and real-life reindeer.

This is the full programme for the day’s events:

• Christmas Market – 11am-6.30pm. More than 60 stalls featuring the best local artisan makers as well as festive food and refreshments.
• Kirklees Year of Music Stage – 1pm-6pm. The Kirklees Year of Music stage will showcase the best local talent from across the district.

1pm             Michael Buble tribute act

1.45pm        One Voice Choir

2.50pm        Jimbo Lynch

3.30pm        Hade Edge Brass Band

4pm             Highway 62

5pm             Lawrence Batley Theatre panto characters

5.15pm        Kirsty Newton’s Festive Sing-along

6pm             Christmas Lights Switch On

• Creative Workshops – 1pm-5pm. Families can get crafty at free workshops with screen printing, lantern making and homemade Christmas decorations. These include: lantern making with Urban Canvas; screen printing with West Yorkshire Print Workshop; and Christmas felt badges and tree hangers with Crafty Baggage.
• Reindeer – 1pm-5pm. Meet real-life reindeer as they take a break from their Christmas deliveries to visit Huddersfield.
• Family entertainment – 1pm-6pm. There will be lots happening throughout the day including an inflatable snow globe for selfie fun, free face painting, fairground rides (chargeable) and walkabout characters. 

The Christmas Lights Switch On – 6pm

The finale will be the Huddersfield Christmas lights Switch On at 6pm by the Mayor and panto characters. Host and MC for the day will be Mikey Shiraz from The Parish, Huddersfield.

Clr Yusra Hussain, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member for culture and greener Kirklees, said: “Despite the difficult financial challenges faced by the council, we want to give residents the opportunity to gather as a community to celebrate the Christmas season.

“I’m delighted that we can once again offer a fun-filled festive event that showcases the best talent and artisan producers that Kirklees has to offer and is free for all to enjoy.”

Event updates can be found on the Kirklees Council Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/liveinkirklees/