Let it glow

The Christmas lights switch-on will mark the build up to Hull's festive season

Up to 17,000 people are expected to gather in Hull city centre this month for one of the biggest free public events of the year.
A wide range of family entertainments will be held as part of the Christmas lights switch-on in Queen Victoria Square.
More than 98,000 individual lights will be in locations across the city centre, which if placed end to end would stretch more than four miles.
The Lord Mayor of Hull, Cllr Elaine Garland, will flick the switch with assistance from Santa, a children's choir will perform to the crowds, and the ever-popular 'Caroloke' will be held on the Big Screen to encourage people to sing along from the square.
The switch-on has been organised by Hull City Council in partnership with Viking FM and Magic.
Radio presenters Sam Heywood and Mark Somers from Viking FM and Darren Lethem from Magic will attend.
"The switch-on always attracts extra visitors and shoppers into the city centre and kick-starts the festive season for retailers," says Cllr Kalvin Neal, who is responsible for quality of life in Hull.
"The lights will look stunning and I encourage people to come along and enjoy what will be a fantastic occasion for the whole family."

Festive facts

• The switch-on marks the beginning of late night shopping.
  Princes Quay, St Stephen's, the Prospect Centre and Hull's larger stores will trade until 9pm every Thursday until Christmas.
• A Christmas tree standing 45ft tall and weighing 1.5 tonnes will be placed in Queen Victoria Square.
  Grown in Kielder Forest in Northumberland, the tree will be brought to Hull on an articulated lorry.

Diary dates

Victorian Christmas
Museums Quarter, High Street
November 29 11am to 4pm
Children's craft activities, Victorian costumed characters, drama, storytelling, Santa's Grotto, carols, mulled wine and mince pies.
Admission free.

Craft Fair
Queen Victoria Square
November 29 Hand-made Christmas cards and a wide selection of Christmas gifts and decorations will be available.
Admission free.

Farmers' Fair
King Edward Street
Every Saturday until December 20.
Local cheese, vegetables and other produce will be on sale.
Admission free.

Continental Market
King Edward Street
December 4 - 7 10am - 5pm
Christmas gifts galore as well as food and drink from countries across Europe.
Admission free.

info

The switch-on takes place on Thursday November 20 in Queen Victoria Square at 6.45pm. Entertainment starts at 5pm.