BEVERLEY – Flemingate is preparing for one of the biggest nights in its calendar as the shopping centre hosts its annual Christmas Light Switch On this Friday. It has become one of Beverley’s most familiar seasonal gatherings and this year’s event brings an unusually high level of star wattage to the town.
The headline guest is Matt Terry, the former X Factor winner whose voice has filled much larger stages than the one outside Debenhams once did. He is joined by The Trilogies, the vocal trio led by Emmerdale actor Bradley Johnson, with Freddie Bolt and Nigel Passey completing the line up. Their appearance last year pulled in a crowd that stretched across the square and the organisers expect the same again as they work through a run of classic soul and pop.
There is further celebrity interest. Two performers from Wicked, appearing as Elphaba and Glinda, will sing a number from the forthcoming second part of the musical. The cast of Talegate Theatre’s Dick Whittington and the Linkage College Choir add a strong local and community presence that is usually the hallmark of the Flemingate celebrations.
The evening also gives a meaningful platform to young performers from the area. The Flemingate Future Star winners, Leo Rena of Beverley and Giorgia Ursell of North Ferriby, will both take their turn on the main stage. Last year’s winner, Grace Langley, returns to welcome them, and rising singer Lewis Pemberton completes the local roster.
Adam Smith will host the event and guide the crowd towards the 6.45 lighting moment, when Flemingate’s Christmas decorations come alive for the season and a firework display follows.
Visitors can expect the familiar mix of food and drink stalls, fairground rides, late shopping and the appearance of Father Christmas. Armstrong Way will be closed for most of the day and the car park is likely to fill early, so arriving on foot or allowing extra time is advised.
The organisers describe this year’s celebration as their most ambitious yet. On a chilly November evening in Beverley it has become one of the surest ways to feel that Christmas has properly begun.