Panto stars to join Christmas switch on

Jack and the Beanstalk stars, Emmerdale's Matthew Wolfenden, Miss Rory and Tom Whalley are due to put in a special appearance at the Christmas Switch On in Keel Square on Thursday 21 November.

They will join the Mayor of Sunderland Cllr Allison Chisnall, male and female SAFC players and Hits Radio's Steve and Karen to turn on the Christmas lights.

A firm favourite in Sunderland's events calendar, the switch on traditionally kicks off the city's countdown to Christmas.

The entertainment gets underway from 5.30pm onwards with music to get everyone in the Christmas spirit and cartoon characters doing walkabouts

From 6pm onwards, Hits Radio's breakfast show hosts Steve and Karen take to the stage to get the party started, with a host of festive hits and sparkling entertainment. This includes the chance to win tickets for this year's Jack and the Beanstalk panto at the Sunderland Empire.

Everyone's favourite ogre, Shrek will also be putting in an appearance before Santa goes up on stage to join in the fun and games.

The Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Allison Chisnall will then be joined by Steve and Karen, SAFC players and panto stars for the grand switch on at 7pm. 

Councillor Chisnall, said: "Christmas is always such a special time of year. The annual Christmas Switch On marks start of the city's countdown to the big day and it's something that families from across Sunderland and beyond really look forward to each year.

"So, It's brilliant to have stars from this year's Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime at the Sunderland Empire joining us for the switch on too.

"We've also got a fantastic programme of entertainment lined up for this year's event and what better way to start the festive season."

The launch of Christmas has been organised by Sunderland City Council and supported by Sunderland BID and Hits Radio (formerly Metro Radio).

And with last minute preparations currently underway, the Christmas tree has already gone up in Keel Square this week ready for next Thursday's switch on. 

Karen (Oxley) from the Hits Radio North East Breakfast Show, said: "We are honoured to, once again, be asked to host this great event in the heart of Sunderland. We've got an exciting hour of free, festive, family fun lined up before we do the big switch on with our special guests. Come down and enjoy what will be a great night. Steve and I would love to see you all."

Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID), said: "The Christmas light switch on signals the start of a really important period for businesses in the city centre.  

"There are so many great venues, wonderful retailers and fabulous events in the city centre that can be visited and enjoyed. We hope to see lots of people join us at the light switch on and then to come back and do their shopping and enjoy the season in the city."

To find out more about the Christmas Switch on, visit: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/christmaslights2024 

To see what else is on in Sunderland during the festive season, visit: https://mysunderland.co.uk/events 

For information on parking, visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/parking

To find out more about the Sunderland Empire panto, visit: www.atgtickets.com/sunderland