Up until this year, I had not yet been on the Christmas lights switch on in Highcross Leicester, but this year, I really felt in the Christmas mood so I went. The event was on 22nd November, so it was n’t quite December, but I found this perfect timing, it had been a long and stressful time and it was good to finally to let my hair down.
The event was very crowded and I loved it. Thousands of people had come out to see the Christmas lights being switched on around Highcross and everyone couldn’t wait to get in the Christmas mood.
The very tall, fluorescent wheel had been in Leicester city centre for weeks, along with an ice rink, but this night is the night that set off the Christmas festivities.
The Christmas lights switch on, centred around the main stage at Humberstone Gate as it is every year. The night was filled with live music and entertainment which kept the crowds energised throughout the night.
This entertainment consisted of X Factor winner Sam Bailey as she performed alongside her co-stars of De Montfort Hall’s latest pantomime, Peter Pan, coming to audiences at Christmas.
Before this night, there was a small range of stalls in the main square outside Highcross shopping centre which was lit up with Christmas lights and chart music and this Christmas joy remained here and spread across the whole city centre.
Street artists were performing as well as a traditional nativity scene being set up in the Town Hall Square, along with Christmas carols and a brass band performances. There was also a Christmas food village for people to enjoy!
Visitors also had the exciting opportunity to view that year’s Alice in Wonderland themed Christmas tableau as well as enjoying Highcross’s White Christmas festival.
All this was building up to the big moment. The Christmas light switch on itself. This moment was hosted by Lord Mayor of Leicester Cllr Ross Grant and joined ITV Central’s Matt Teale and Santa Claus himself, alongside other festive characters.
I got back to halls that, frozen to the bone, but it was well worth it. I was now in the Christmas mood!
The Life of Sophie 