Everything you need to know about the Festive Light Parade
There’s not long to go until the launch of Christmas in Colchester with The Big Festive Switch On which will see a great range of events and activities coming to Colchester on Wednesday 15th November.
Thank you to Event Sponsor John Fowlers Solicitors for supporting the Festive Light Parade.
The best places to watch the Festive Light Parade
Not sure where to stand to get the best view for the Festive Light Parade?
Don't worry we've got you covered. Here are our recommendations to help you get the most out of the event. (Please keep in mind that this is a live event, and timings can vary on the night - we'll try our best to stay on track!)
- Firstsite - events from 3pm
Join the team at Firstsite for their Light Fantastic event before watching the parade build up and the countdown to the parade heading up the high street.
Great for an earlier visit, family fun, free activities.
- The George Hotel - from 5pm
Enjoy the cosy vibes of the George Hotel before the parade with a hot chocolate or mulled drink and then head to the high street as the parade makes its way up from Firstsite, turning on the Georges Christmas lights as it passes by.
Great for a relaxed visit, seeing the parade, festive food and drink, festive photos, light switch on.
- Town Hall - from 5pm
The Town Hall is an iconic building to see lit up in Christmas lights. As the parade passes the Town Hall Lights will be switched on!
Great for, seeing the parade, light switch on, photos, heading to Lion Walk after the parade.
- Fenwick - 5pm
As the parade enters the last stretch of the high street it's a great opportunity to see the Jumbo loom in the distance with lanterns in the foreground. Our Parklet seating is a great spot for those who might need to sit down whilst waiting/during the parade.
Great for, seeing the parade a little later, accessibility, following the parade to the Mercury Theatre.
- Mercury Theatre - 4pm onwards.
The Mercury Theatre is the final destination of the Festive Light Parade, with entertainment and a stage. BUT the fun starts before the parade arrives!
The parade will be streamed onto a big screen outside of the Mercury Theatre and captioning by StageText will be included on the screens too. This is the perfect space if you prefer a more relaxed viewing of the parade, the Mercury Theatre will also be open giving you access to a bar, warm space, and toilets.
Great for, accessibility, post parade entertainment.
Take part in the Festive Light Parade!
Take part in the Festive Light Parade with your own lanterns! Join us at one of our FREE workshops on the 4th & 11th November and make your own lantern. THEN join us on the 15th and carry your lantern in the parade!
The BIG Festive Switch On
What else is happening on the 15th of November?
⭐ 11am - 7pm Festive Fair In The Square (Culver Square ) Get ready for some festive fun as the Christmas Fair comes to the Square. Explore 12 stalls showcasingthe best of local businesses.
⭐ 3pm - Firstsite Light Fantastic (Firstsite Colchester ) Experience an immersive light installation and live performances from local musicians in the Firstsite foyer from 3pm. Explore free exhibitions, including a new exhibition of dazzling light artworks from Sue Webster.
⭐ 5pm - The Festive Light Parade (In Colchester )Returning for 2023 the Festive Light Parade! Watch as the parade makes its way up the high street turning on the Christmas lights with festive cheer as it goes. Additional entertainment will be at Mercury Theatre and Lion Walk following the finish of the parade. Event sponsor - John Fowlers LLP Solicitors
⭐ 7pm - Lion Walk Light Switch on ( Lion Walk Shopping Centre ) Enjoy the Christmas spectacle of fireworks displays, live performances, Santa’s Grotto (£10) and delicious treats – all presented in a fun candy-themed setting.Full details of all events can be found on the InColchester website! We can't wait to see you there!
