Nathan Evans and SAINT PHNX to headline the Glasgow Christmas lights switch on

On Sunday 17 November, Glasgow's Christmas lights switch-on will joyfully mark the start of the festive season for many.

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 11 November 2024 8:12

The entertainment line-up has been announced, alongside a call for lucky ticket holders to get there early, ready for a fantastic night of fun.

Entry gates to George Square, in Cochrane Street and George Street, will open to ticket holders at 5pm before musical acts and theatre stars make everyone smile with an evening of lively performances.

The event, hosted by Clyde 1 presenters George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie, will start at 5.30pm when On Repeat – an uplifting girl group tribute band – take to the stage. Guaranteed to get the party started, they will kickstart a wonderful occasion with their rendition of recent chart toppers.

The merriment will continue – oh yes it will – with an appearance by the Pavilion Theatre’s Beauty and the Beastie panto stars, and the wonderful Soul Nation Choir who will fill the Square with song.

Ahead of the big switch on at 7pm, Scottish singer-songwriting sensation Nathan Evans will take to the stage with musical duo SAINT PHNX in an exciting collaboration. The artist rose to fame when his catchy sea shanty Wellerman went viral in 2020. Nathan Evans and SAINT PHNX have recently been seen in sold-out shows in Glasgow and London.

The crowd can look forward to an energetic, fresh folk-pop sound, which blends Nathan Evans’ storytelling with the Glasgow-based brothers Stevie and Alan Jukes, pop/rock-influenced melodies. Their newest release ‘Home’ will form part of the set.

The 10,600 people who have secured free tickets in this year’s ballot are asked to dress appropriately for the conditions.

With Glasgow’s Christmas lights switch-on drawing thousands of visitors to the city centre, road closures and parking restrictions will be in place.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, said: “The Christmas lights switch-on is a highlight in Glasgow’s cultural calendar. The entertainment at this year’s event is certain to lift the spirit, get us singing and make us smile. Then, when the lights burst on, we know Christmas is on its way.

“The occasion brings communities from across Glasgow together for a magical evening of festive joy. And it is only the start of a holiday season that offers a multitude of activities for everyone, from the Winterfests at George Square and St Enoch Square to the beloved annual Santa Dash and Style Mile Carnival.”

George Bowie added: “It always feels so special to host Glasgow’s Christmas lights switch-on and this year is no different with a brilliant line-up of acts to entertain the 10,000-strong festive crowd. I can’t wait.”

Bowie@Breakfast co-host Cassi Gillespie said: “I love Glasgow’s Christmas lights switch-on every year. That is when I feel the countdown to Christmas really starts and with all the activities and performances we have planned this year in George Square, it will be impossible not to feel festive!”

For more information on Glasgow’s 2024 festive events programme, visit the Glasgow Loves Christmas webpage. For details on how to travel to the event and around Glasgow sustainably, visit Glasgow City Council’s travel pages.

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