Newcastle to light up the city for Christmas this week

As the festive season approaches, one of the city’s most-highly anticipated Christmas events is set to take place. 

Tomorrow (Tuesday, November 14), Newcastle will be lighting up the city, in the special annual event hosted by Metro Radio. 

The event will begin at 6pm, with the official switching on of Newcastle’s Christmas lights to take place around 7pm, with a big stage located at the top of Grey Stage.

Taking to the stage in question will be Metro Radio’s breakfast show presenters Steve and Karen, who are back once again to host the event, as well as North East duo Khalysis, stars from the local pantomime, including South Shields singer Joe McElderry who is performing as Jiminy Cricket, in the Theatre Royal’s production of Pinocchio.

There will also be visits from Christmas characters such as Santa Claus, as well as characters from Frozen. 

There will also be plenty of fun for the audience to enjoy, including songs, games, and live music. 

Read Newcastle's news on the go with our free email newsletters - bringing the headlines to your inbox. Catch up on the day's news and sport and enjoy even more from the NewcastleWorld team. Visit our website here to find out more and sign up.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Veronica Dunn who will be in attendance to switch on the lights, said: “There’s nowhere like Newcastle at Christmas. We have a beautiful city, and the lights make it even more magical.

“We want everyone in the city to have the opportunity to spend time with friends and family over the festive period and enjoy high quality events that are free of charge, and our plans for Christmas and New Year are perfect for this. And we also want to attract visitors to our wonderful city.

“I am delighted to part of the fantastic tradition of switching on the city’s lights this year to mark the start of our celebrations and would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy Christmas.”

Metro Radio’s Karen, added: “Once again we can’t wait to kick start the festive season in Newcastle with the annual lights switch on.

“It’s a huge honour for us to be part of this magical event, and we’re really looking forward to some free festive family fun with the crowd on November 14th.

“We want everyone to get into the spirit of Christmas, so get those jumpers and antlers on and come along and enjoy the night.”