Southend Switch On Details Revealed as New Sponsors Announced

November 5, 2026

Kick off the festive season in style at Southend’s Christmas Lights Switch On taking place on Saturday 14th November. Delivered by Southend City BID, the much-loved annual event will bring the city to life with live performances, family fun, and Christmas magic from 12pm.

Thousands of visitors are expected to enjoy a full day of festive celebrations before gathering for the eagerly anticipated Christmas lights countdown at 6pm. This year's event has been made possible thanks to the support of a fantastic group of sponsors with Associate Sponsors c2c, The Victoria Centre, and Stambridge Group, all coming on board alongside Headline Sponsors Southend Theatres and South Tree Sponsors Costa Coffee. Their support plays a vital role in helping deliver an unforgettable day for residents and visitors.

Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of festive entertainment, including:

• Live Stage Performances - Enjoy an afternoon of music, dance, and entertainment from musicians, local schools, choirs, and community groups from 12pm.

• Festive Characters - Keep an eye out for magical Christmas characters roaming the High Street throughout the day.

• Storytelling Bus - Step aboard for enchanting festive tales and family-friendly storytelling from 12pm-4pm.

• Busking Trail - Discover talented local performers bringing festive cheer to locations across the city centre from 12pm-4pm.

• Christmas Craft Stations - Get creative with the “Become a Christmas Star” crafting trail from 12pm-4pm.

• Artisan Market and Family Fun – Browse festive stalls, pick up unique gifts, enjoy family rides and soak up the Christmas atmosphere from 9am-6.30pm.

• The Big Switch On – Watch Sonny Green switch on the Christmas lights and two sparkling Christmas trees at 6pm.

• Fireworks Spectacular – Round off the celebrations with a dazzling seafront fireworks display at 7.30pm.

Suzanne Gloyne, Southend City BID Manager, said:

"The Christmas Lights Switch On is one of the highlights of the year, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate the start of the festive season in the heart of Southend. We're incredibly grateful to our sponsors, whose support helps us create a bigger, brighter and more magical event for everyone to enjoy.

"We’re delighted to announce our Associate Sponsors, who have joined Headline Sponsors, Southend Theatres, and South Tree Sponsors, Costa Coffee, to add even more festive magic to the event.

Our Associate Sponsors play a crucial role in enhancing the experience for visitors. c2c makes it easy for people to travel into Southend and enjoy the festivities without the stress of parking plus helping to make our crafting stations happen, Stambridge Group has enabled the return of our accessible performer ramp to ensure the event is inclusive for all, and The Victoria Centre is helping bring the celebrations to life by hosting festive stalls and live entertainment throughout the day."

Rob Mullen, Chief Customer & Commercial Officer, GBR Anglia, said:

"We at c2c pride ourselves on being a railway that is deeply committed to its communities, that is why we are so proud to be sponsoring the Christmas lights in Southend for 2026. This is another great example of the support we give to events in our local communities and the customers we're proud to serve."

Patrick Bourke, Managing Director at Stambridge Group said:

“Southend is an important part of who we are as a business, and we have built strong connections with the local community over many years. Continuing to sponsor the Southend Christmas Lights Switch-On is one way we can give back to the place we call home.

We believe being part of a community means more than simply operating within it. It means supporting the events and initiatives that bring people together. The Christmas Lights Switch-On is a wonderful opportunity for families and residents to come together, celebrate the start of the festive season and enjoy everything Southend has to offer. We are proud to continue our support and look forward to seeing the community come together once again.”

Dennis Baldry, Centre Manager at The Victoria Shopping Centre, said:

“We're absolutely delighted to be supporting Southend's Christmas Lights Switch-On once again. It's one of the highlights of the city's calendar, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate the start of the festive season.

At The Victoria, we're passionate about supporting our city centre and creating experiences that bring families, friends and our wider community together. We're proud to play a part in making this fantastic event happen and look forward to welcoming everyone for a wonderful day of festive celebrations, entertainment and Christmas shopping.”

Southend’s Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on Saturday 14th November, with a full programme of stage performances and entertainment beginning at 12pm and the main lights countdown taking place in Victoria Circus at 6pm. Visitors are encouraged to make a day of it, enjoy everything the city centre has to offer, and celebrate the official start of Christmas in Southend.

Head to VisitSouthend.co.uk or follow @ChristmasSouthend to keep up to date about Christmas in the City.