Coventry Christmas lights switch-on returns for 2021

Hundreds of Coventry residents gather in Broadgate for the annual Christmas lights ‘switch-on’. 

The crowds of locals saw astonishing performances and picturesque firework displays to mark the return of the event, following its absence in 2020. 

Due to the pandemic, like many other events, Coventry’s Christmas lights switch-on was cancelled in favour of public safety for Christmas 2020. This year marks the return of the event.

Hosted by BBC Coventry and Warwickshire, the switch-on was preceded by the ‘Coventry Stars’ themed show, which saw performances from a variety of local music talent including Spark! drummers. 

DJ Santa also made a return this year, in addition to traditional choirs and solo artist Levi Washington. 

The city council are encouraging people to take advantage of late-night shopping in the city. They are offering free parking between certain hours in the lead up to Christmas. 

On Wednesdays, people will now be able to park for free after 3pm in all council city centre car parks. This offer is live between 17 November and 19 December. 

Cllr Patricia Hetherton, cabinet member for city services, said before the event: “The switch-on is always such a popular event in the city’s events calendar and we want to encourage people to come along and enjoy it. That’s one of the reasons we’re offering free parking after 3pm in all city centre council car parks on the day.

“The other reason is that we know how hugely important the Christmas period is to many city centre businesses and that’s why we’re extending the festive parking offer for later night shoppers every Wednesday after the switch on.

“We’ll also be extending the offer in the week leading up to Christmas Day to attract even more shoppers and visitors into the city centre. It’s been a tough year for the traders in the city centre this year and we want to do our bit to encourage everyone to shop local.”

We’ll continue to update you on the latest festive news in Coventry.