Watford town centre’s businesses have once again come together to fund a truly spectacular Christmas lights display that will illuminate Watford on Saturday 19 November!

The FREE event will begin with a marching band journeying from Atria Watford’s main entrance on Queens Road at 3:15PM and on up the High Street and to The Parade, by the pond. The marching band, SEC Pathfinder Drum Corps, will then kick off our main switch-on event with live on-stage entertainment that takes place from 4:00PM until 5:30PM.

The on-stage entertainment will include music from Electric Umbrella and Watford Rock Choir performing your festive favourites. There’ll also be Watford Palace Theatre’s pantomime characters, revealing all about their upcoming show: Beauty & The Beast.

As it approaches switch-on time at 5:20PM, a very special guest will join, The Voice UK contestant: Clare Cordell! The fantastic Watford singer will be pressing that famous red button to illuminate our town centre with the stunning LED Christmas lighting. Along with a firework display, sponsored by Atria Watford shopping centre, to begin the most wonderful time of the year.

Maria Manion, Watford BID’s Chief Executive, said: “We once again must give thanks to Watford town centre businesses for funding another spectacular set of Christmas lights in our town. We also thank Watford Council for their contribution towards the lights and their support in promoting this wonderful annual event.

The Christmas Lights Switch-On offers a great opportunity for visitors & residents to enjoy a day out with friends & family. Our town really does have so much to offer from its shopping to its cafes to its leisure activities. Please ensure to book ahead in our town’s restaurants, bars and pubs to avoid missing out on a table!”

For all information and the build-up to the special day, make sure to follow @WatfordBID on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Watford BID also have a bespoke website – www.winterinwatford.com – which not only has information on the switch-on, but it also showcases what’s on in Watford during the holiday season including events, leisure activities and festive dining options.

The Winter in Watford website also includes information on travelling to Watford town centre, make sure to use this tool to plan your journey and view your parking options. Attendees must avoid parking in Sainsbury’s car park as it is for their customers only, please use Gade, Sutton or one of Atria’s car parks for the day.