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When to see the Cambridge Christmas lights switched on - plus all the Big Switch On entertainment




Cambridge’s Christmas lights are about to be switched on - and we’ve got all the details you need to enjoy the occasion.

After the pandemic prevented the traditional festivities taking place in 2020 and 2021, there’s a welcome return for the Big Switch on, organised by Cambridge BID, on Sunday, November 20, 2022.

The Big Switch On event in 2019. Picture: Richard Marsham
The Big Switch On event in 2019. Picture: Richard Marsham

The event will kick off the city’s Christmas season in style, with Star Radio hosting the event in the market square and a series of performers entertaining the crowds from midday.

Inside the Grand Arcade nearby, where the lights will already be on, there will be further live performances to entertain shoppers. We’ve got all the timings for the performers below.

Then at 5pm, Cambridge United players and Marvin the Moose will join the mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Mark Ashton, in the market square to switch on the city centre’s Christmas lights.

The Big Switch On event in 2019. Picture: Richard Marsham
The Big Switch On event in 2019. Picture: Richard Marsham

Here are the timings for the day.

Market square schedule - Sunday, November 20

  • 12pm 4th Dimension
  • 12.30pm On Stage Performing Arts
  • 1pm Castle School
  • 1.30pm Safira
  • 2pm Stagecoach Cambridge
  • 2.20pm Vocal Remix
  • 2.45pm The Collaboration Choir
  • 3.30pm Razzamatazz
  • 4pm Coleridge Community College
  • 4.30pm Tom Korni
  • 5pm The Big Switch On
  • 5.10pm Magenta Slipperz

The Grand Arcade schedule - Sunday, November 20

  • 12pm Vocal Remix
  • 12.30pm Stagecoach Performing Arts
  • 1pm Cambridge Schol of Visual and Performing Arts
  • 1.30pm Bodywork Dance Studio
  • 2.30pm The 29th Funktion
  • 3pm Layla-Jane Music
  • 3.30pm Abi Dhese-Biggs
  • 4pm The Collaboration Choir

Becky Burrell, marketing manager at Cambridge BID, said: “We are working hard to deliver a fabulous event this year. It’s been missing for the last couple of years and although we worked to deliver an on-air and online event, it’s not quite the same so we are really looking forward to seeing and hearing all of the fantastic performances again this year.’

Josh Lovatt, Star drivetime presenter, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be part of the festive sparkle in Cambridge. The Christmas lights switch-ons are amongst our favourite events of the year – and we’re excited to host them in person once again. We can’t wait to see everyone’s Christmas jumpers!”



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