Friday 9 November 2018, 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Shop windows around the city are now filling with their seasonal displays, and visitors to the Coppergate Centre will be the first in York to feel the festive spirit with the switch-on of their Christmas lights, including two huge Christmas trees, tomorrow evening (Friday 9 November 2018).
The lights will be turned on by BBC Radio York’s Adam Tomlinson and Anna Wallace, ably assisted by the cast of Sleeping Beauty, the panto by York’s own Rowntree Players which hits the stage at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre next month. The celebrations will kick off at 5.30pm with a performance by the choir from Appleton Roebuck Primary School, and games and fun from the panto crew before the official switching on of the lights, live on BBC Radio York.
Revellers will also see the Icicle King performing, the winter incarnation of York’s ‘Magic Ball Man’, Steve Bullen. As well as performing spectacular contact juggling with his crystal spheres, visitors will see his tricks with illuminated batons in a remarkable display.
“This is a great way to kick off one of the busiest seasons for the Coppergate Centre, and as usual, our retailers have been generously donating prizes to give away on the night,” comments centre manager, Pippa Unwin. “This year, we’re delighted to have not one but two new Christmas trees, including a real tree which has been decorated by the lovely people at The Boot Shop in Easingwold – a great charity which supports people with learning disabilities.”
Friday 9 November will also be the first chance shoppers have to visit the new Flying Tiger Copenhagen store, which opens tomorrow, returning the Coppergate Centre to full occupancy. “This is a store that everyone is going to love – a unique and quirky mix of novelties, toys and housewares, which fits perfectly with the other retailers we have down here,” adds Pippa. “We’ve already seen a flurry of activity on social media with people planning their visits, so we’re expecting a busy day.”
The Christmas Lights Switch-on runs from 5.30pm to 7.00pm, with several retailers remaining open until 8.00pm tomorrow. Shoppers are encouraged to use the Park & Ride services, which continue until 11pm every Friday until Christmas as part of the #ThankYorkItsFriday initiative.
