Dartford’s Big Christmas Switch On is set to light up the town on Saturday 14 November, following the selection of this year’s Christmas Colouring Competition winner.
After reviewing a host of wonderful entries from primary schools across Dartford, Magathii, aged 9, was chosen as this year’s lucky winner. She will have the special honour of switching on the town’s Christmas lights alongside The Worshipful the Mayor of Dartford, Cllr Avtar Sandhu, stars from The Orchard Theatre’s pantomime, and of course, Father Christmas!
This year’s celebrations promise a day packed with festive fun and live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy appearances from the stars of Cinderella at The Orchard Theatre, with Joe Pasquale, Abbie Budden and Ben Goffe taking part in an exclusive Q&A session. The line-up also includes performances from Dartford’s Got Talent winner Marcus Wells, local favourites Libbie Garrett and Jason Allen, and spectacular tribute acts celebrating Pop Princesses and Freddie Mercury, guaranteed to get the crowd singing along.
The festivities kick off from 10am, with a vibrant line-up of street performers presented by Cohesion Plus. Expect face painters, magicians, balloon artists and street entertainers bringing colour and excitement to the High Street, Orchards Shopping Centre, and Priory Shopping Centre.
Adding to the community spirit, the Orchard Theatre Ukulele Group will perform across the shopping centres and on stage in Brewery Square, alongside the Fleet Signing Choir and the theatre’s own choir. The day’s entertainment will be hosted by the ever-popular David Ribi, ensuring festive cheer for visitors of all ages.
The celebrations will continue after the lights switch-on with a special Christmas market running until 8pm, offering festive food and drink, unique gifts and much more. The Big Sing Choir returns to Dartford following their standout performance at September’s Night Market, bringing their trademark energy and infectious enthusiasm to the evening. They will be joined by popular local band Midlife Crisis, helping to round off a magical day of festive entertainment.
Performances start on stage from just before 2pm. The full stage programme for the day is as follows:
- 1.55pm: Cohesion Plus Bhangra Santa
- 2.15pm: Orchard Theatre Choir
- 2.30pm: David Ribi, Host
- 2.35pm: Ukulele Group
- 2.55pm: Fleet Signing Choir
- 3.10pm: DGT winner, Marcus Wells
- 3.20pm: Libbie Garret
- 3.35pm: Leanne Kyte, Pop Princess tribute
- 4.00pm: Jason Allen
- 4.35pm: Meet the cast of ‘Cinderella’
- 4.55pm: Gary Goodmaze
- 5.15pm: The Big Christmas Lights Switch On
We would like to thank the following organisations who have generously supported this year’s Big Christmas Switch On: Orchards Shopping Centre - The Priory Shopping Centre - The Orchard Theatre - Aldi - Fairfield - Dartford Markets - Dartford Messenger - Cohesion Plus.
The Big Christmas Switch On kicks off Dartford Borough Council’s festive calendar. Details about the Carol Concert (9 December), Santa on Tour (6, 13, 15, 20, 21 December) and other great events can be found via www.dartford.gov.uk/events.