York Christmas lights switch on 2014: What’s happening where

With a little over a month to Christmas, York’s lights are switched on across the city on Thursday evening (November 20). But what’s happening where? Well, we’re glad you asked…

St Helen’s Square

It’s a family affair on the square as the Lord Mayor of York Ian Gillies steps out of the Mansion House to perform the switch on with his four grandchildren.

Mollie, 10, Lillie, nine, seven-year-old Isabel and Rosie, six, will join their granddad at the event, hosted by BBC Radio York presenters Adam Tomlinson and Anna Wallace.

Look out too for special guests from this year’s Theatre Royal panto Old Mother Goose, Martin Barrass and returning baddie David Leonard.

After the switch on the University of York Brass Band will play and local choirs, including Haxby Road Academy, Supersingers and York Music Centre Girls Chamber Choir will sing around the city throughout the evening.

Bishopthorpe Road

After its Tour de France triumph and being named as one of Britain’s best shopping streets, Bishopthorpe Road finishes an amazing year with its own lights switch on and street party.

From 6pm the street will be closed to allow Santa to drive down to Fruitique.

There’ll be music from the Prima Vocal Ensemble and Millegro Choirs, Thea Jacob and the Songbox Toddlers, the York Railway Institute Golden Rail Band, Ashley James, Filthy Rock and Lions For A Day.

Prizes from the Bishy Road shops are on offer in the raffle, and you can try the new ultra local tipple, Bishy Brew.

Everyone is asked to bring a donation to the food bank stall which will be outside Johnsons the Dry Cleaners.