JOE MCELDERRY TO SWITCH ON NEWCASTLE’S CITY CENTRE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
We are proud to announce that chart topping star of stage and theatre, Joe McElderry, will be switching on Newcastle’s City Centre Christmas Lights on Tuesday 14th November at Grey’s Monument.
The former X Factor winner will join Cllr Linda Wright, Lord Mayor of Newcastle and Steve and Karen, presenters of the Breakfast Show on Metro Radio as they press the button to illuminate the city to mark the countdown towards Christmas.
Joe McElderry will also be starring as ‘Joseph’ in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat at Metro Arena in Newcastle from 19-31 December: www.metroradioarena.co.uk
Joe of South Shields, said: “I am so excited to be coming home to switch the Christmas lights on in my home city ahead of performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena this Christmas.
“I’ve had an incredible year touring the country with the cast of Joseph and coming back to Newcastle to perform and switch on the Christmas Lights is the icing on the cake for 2017. The Geordie crowds are always so welcoming, friendly and get into the partying spirit. I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends but at the same time performing in front of new audiences. I couldn’t think of a better place to kick off the Christmas season but back at home in the North East. I can’t wait to see you all.”
Joe will be entertaining an expected 5,000 strong crowd at the base of Grey’s Monument for an hour of festive songs, entertainment and on-stage games. Steve and Karen will host the festive merriment with the switch-on line up also including Sam Lavery (X Factor 2016) and members from the cast of Sleeping Beauty (Gateshead Stadium panto).
An estimated 20,000 festive lights will illuminate parts of the City including areas of Northumberland Street; Blackett Street; Percy Street; Grey Street; Grainger Street; Nelson Street; Newgate Street; Neville Street; and the Quayside. This year there will be an extra special light to look out for, a 4-metre tall Teddy Bear!
The night of fun and entertainment will also carry a serious message as the event is teaming up with The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) – to help the national charity raise the profile of its invaluable work in cities like Newcastle.
Councillor Kim McGuinness, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities, said: “It’s great news to have Joe McElderry joining in the fun and helping to celebrate the countdown towards Christmas. The atmosphere in Newcastle is always magical with the beautiful city being illuminated with thousands of lights. It just adds to the whole city centre experience that greets residents, shoppers and visitors to Newcastle.”
The Newcastle City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on will take place on Tuesday 14th November and will start at 5.30pm with the lights being switched on at approximately 6.30pm. The event is free, and everyone is welcome to attend, people are advised to get down early to secure the best vantage point. No wristbands are required.
It might be advisable to use public transport [Metro or the Bus network] to get to and from the City Centre as the Christmas shopping season is well and truly in full swing.
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