Christmas Lights Switch On

Organisers have advised fans to wrap up warm for this Saturday’s free Christmas Lights Switch On concert at Millennium Point, which starts at 2pm with X-Factor stars JLS.


The gates will be opened at 11am and organisers have asked fans to come well-prepared for the weather. They have also advised people to use public transport wherever possible as roads surrounding the area will be closed to traffic.

In order to keep the area safe for everyone West Midlands Police have asked people not to bring their own alcohol, and not to bring valuables with them as a precaution. They hope that people will refrain from any pushing and shoving, so that people of all ages can enjoy the concert comfortably.

After JLS, the family-friendly concert will see a whole host of top acts perform, including Tinchy Stryder, Chipmunk, Little Boots, Alexandra Burke and the Noisettes. Pixie Lott will also be gracing the stage, fresh from her recent win at the MTV Europe Awards where she took home Best Push Artist.

The Sugababes will close the mammoth five hour concert, and will then be joined by Pixie Lott, Taio Cruz and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Michael Wilkes, to turn on the city’s Christmas lights, accompanied by a fantastic fireworks display over Millennium Point.

The event, organised by Birmingham City Council in partnership with BRMB radio, marks the opening of the Christmas season of events in Birmingham. For more information go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/christmas or call 0121 303 3008.

Cllr Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport & Culture said, “It’s great news that BRMB have confirmed such a fantastic line up for this year’s concert. We are expecting lots of fans to turn up, and we urge everyone to be considerate to ensure that everyone can enjoy the event safely.”

BRMB Programme Director Paul Kaye said “This year’s Christmas Lights line up is the strongest yet with some massive pop stars performing for free. Plus on the day we’re going to be running a competition where you’ll have the chance to get backstage and meet some of the stars!”

The free concert is part of a whole programme of Christmas events planned in the city, including the famous Frankfurt Christmas Market opening on the 12 November and the Christmas Reindeer and Lantern Parade on 15 November.