The Inbetweeners’ Joe Thomas switches on Chelmsford’s Christmas lights

Actor and writer Joe Thomas, best known for his role as Simon Cooper in the multi-award winning TV series ‘The Inbetweeners’, returns to his hometown to switch on Chelmsford’s Christmas lights on Sunday 18 November. Joe will push the big button, lighting up Chelmsford and setting off a spectacular fireworks display at 5pm.

The festivities begin in Chelmsford High Street at 12pm with a selection of walkabout fun, family friendly activities and festive food and drink set to warm up the crowds before the main stage entertainment, which begins at 2.30pm outside Shire Hall. Heart FM’s popular presenters Martin and Su will showcase a sparkling array of local and professional talent, including performances from Winston and The Lads, Funky Voices community choir, Will Daly’s Drumming Group and Dancing Grannies.

The grand finale at 5pm will then see Joe, alongside Martin and Su, switch on Chelmsford’s Christmas lights and launch a spectacular firework display near the Meadows Shopping Centre and the Town Sign. Last year’s event attracted thousands of people to witness the biggest annual event in Chelmsford’s festive calendar. This year’s Christmas Lights Switch On has been organised in cooperation with One Chelmsford (Chelmsford’s Business Improvement District), Chelmsford City Council, Bond Street and Can Bridge Management.

Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Anthony McQuiggan, said, “No matter how grown-up you are, there’s something magical about shopping and walking after dark in the winter air beneath the warm glow of festive lights. This year’s Christmas lights will be more magical than ever, with a starry net of tiny illuminations twinkling above you and plenty of all-new decorations to create that special atmosphere.”

Late Night Shopping begins in Chelmsford City Centre in December. Please check details of individual store opening times for detailed information. To find out more about the Christmas Lights Switch On and other seasonal celebrations, please visit the City Council’s website at: http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/christmas.

Share on Social Media

Chelmsford City Council is asking residents to take part in the annual Rocket O’Clock scheme. The scheme asks people to be considerate of others when holding their own firework displays.
You can only report a missed collection within 24 hours of your collection day. If your collection is on a Friday, you can report a missed collection on the following Monday.
The cinema weekend takes place on 23-25th September and will feature 6 films.
Could you help our young people develop #SkillsForLife, creating the next generation of life-changers? We need people just like you to help bring Scouting to the youth of Chelmsford.
The Blue Falcons Gymnastic Display Team is a youth affiliated gymnastics team who train weekly to learn routines and new exciting vaults
We are very pleased to announce that the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Winter Raffle has raised an incredible £4,000 for the charity!
A city play area has been awarded special status as it has been adapted for disabled children and wheelchair users.
The Adventure Castle play area in Hylands Park is now officially accredited by PiPA, also known as Planning Inclusive Play Areas.
Work is now officially underway on the county's first ever all-through school at Beaulieu in Chelmsford.

Construction on the new £34million school started following a ground-breaking ceremony at the site yesterday.