Richmond is set to kick off the festive season in style as Be Richmond announces the official return of the town's annual Christmas Lights Switch On.

Taking place on Thursday, 19 November, from 4pm to 6pm, the evening promises live stage entertainment, family character appearances, and the illumination of the town centre to launch the Christmas shopping and dining season.

Schedule of events

• 4pm: Festivities launch as George Street opens to the public for the start of the Be Festive celebrations.
• 5pm: The Riverside Radio stage lights up with live performances from a lineup of local festive entertainers.
• Throughout the evening: Families can meet and take photos with a range of roving performers, including favourite Superheroes, Buddy the Elf, Candy Cane Stilt Walkers, and giant Nutcracker characters.
• 5:45pm: The Mayor of Richmond takes to the stage for the official countdown and light switch-on, illuminating the town centre.
• 6pm: The bellringers of St Mary Magdalene Church, located in the heart of Richmond, will ring out the church bells on the stroke of 6pm to mark the switch-on.

12 Days of Christmas Competition

Following the lights switch-on, Be Richmond will also be launching its annual 12 Days of Christmas competition, running from 1 to 12 December.

The contest will feature daily gift giveaways sourced from local Be Richmond member businesses across the town centre.

Details on how to enter will be released via the @berichmonduk social media channels and on the official Be Richmond website.

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