The countdown is on to one of Colchester’s biggest celebrations of the year, with an incredible line-up of local talent, live music and festive favourites preparing to take centre stage for the city’s spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on Saturday, November 14.
Lion Walk Shopping Centre will host an evening of live entertainment beginning at 5.30pm and building towards the big Christmas Lights Switch On at 7.30pm, followed by a dazzling fireworks display.
Among the stars of the show will be some of Colchester’s most talented young performers, with finalists from Colchester Has Talent 2026 reuniting for a special performance.
One of the most eagerly anticipated performances will see finalists from this year’s Colchester Has Talent competition return to the stage at 6.40pm for a magical medley of talent, celebrating the extraordinary creativity of young people across the city.
The young performers, aged between nine and 16, impressed audiences and judges during September’s Grand Final at Lion Walk with a remarkable showcase of singing, acoustic and electric guitar, piano, acro dance and circus performance.
Among those returning will be 10-year-old acro dancer Nova (Novalee Kyan), electric guitarist Henry Kemp, singer and pianist Charlie Hobbs, and singer-songwriter Charlotte Pang.
The medley will mark a special reunion for the finalists, who were all invited back to perform at the Christmas Lights Switch On in recognition of the exceptional standard of this year’s competition.
And there’s more, as the 2026 Colchester Has Talent champions, circus duo Catkins, return with their own individual performance at 7.10pm, showcasing their extraordinary skills.
Seren, 13, and Codi, 16, captured the title with a breathtaking routine combining partner balancing, dragon staff and poi, and have been preparing a sensational comeback for the Christmas celebrations.
The Catkins duo commented: “We’re so excited to be performing at the Colchester Christmas Lights Switch On! Winning Colchester Has Talent was such an amazing experience, and getting the chance to perform together again in front of so many people is something really incredible for us.
“It’s going to be brilliant to see all the other finalists again and share the stage with them too. We’re really proud to be part of such a big event in Colchester, and we hope we can surprise everyone with our circus skills and tricks!”
Their appearance will be a fitting celebration of a competition that has grown into an important platform for young creative talent, providing opportunities for more than 60 young performers since its launch in 2024.
Another highlight of the evening will be a dynamic live performance from the University of Essex’s Essex Blades Dance Club, taking to the stage at 6.25pm.
The student dancers will bring energy, precision and exciting choreography to the celebrations, showcasing the creative talent within the University’s student community.
The University of Essex is also an event sponsor of this year’s Christmas Lights Switch On, supporting an event that brings together thousands of residents, families and visitors to celebrate the start of the festive season.
Claire Clilverd, Deputy Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment at the University of Essex, said: “Colchester’s Christmas Lights Switch On is a fantastic opportunity to bring the whole community together, and we’re delighted that the University of Essex is supporting this year’s event.
“We’re particularly proud to see our Essex Blades dancers taking to the stage alongside so many talented local performers. Our students are an important part of the Colchester community, and events like this give them a wonderful opportunity to showcase their creativity and enthusiasm while contributing to the cultural life of the city.
“The line-up really celebrates the wealth of talent we have here in Colchester, from the young finalists of Colchester Has Talent to our own student performers. We’re looking forward to a brilliant evening and helping the city welcome Christmas in style.”
The entertainment in Lion Walk gets underway at 5.30pm with a DJ set, before The Big Sing Choir takes to the stage at 5.45pm, bringing festive favourites and uplifting harmonies to get the crowds into the Christmas spirit.
At 6.15pm, performers from Colchester’s Headgate Theatre will offer a taste of their festive production of Hansel & Gretel, before the University of Essex dancers and Colchester Has Talent finalists take centre stage.
Families will also be treated to appearances from Frozen favourites Elsa, Anna and Olaf at 6.55pm, while Father Christmas, the Grinch and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz will join Actual Radio for a festive comedy skit at 7.25pm.
Then comes the moment everyone has been waiting for, as the Christmas Lights Switch On at 7.30pm illuminates Colchester city centre, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
The celebrations will continue with Kiele-Lola, lead singer of popular Essex band The Hit List, performing festive favourites immediately after the switch-on, before The Hit List takes the party into Lion Walk Courtyard with more live music.
Martin Leatherdale, Centre Manager at Lion Walk Shopping Centre, said: “We’re incredibly excited about this year’s Christmas Lights Switch On and the fantastic range of performers who will be entertaining the crowds.
“What makes this event so special is the opportunity to showcase the talent we have right here in Colchester. From the University of Essex dancers to the wonderful young finalists of Colchester Has Talent, there is so much creativity and enthusiasm to celebrate.
“Add in The Big Sing, Headgate Theatre, our favourite Christmas characters and a spectacular fireworks finale, and we’ve got all the ingredients for a really memorable evening.
“We’re also delighted to have the University of Essex supporting the event as a sponsor. It’s a fantastic example of organisations across the city coming together to create something special for the whole community.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone into Lion Walk and get the Christmas celebrations underway. Visitors can find the full entertainment lineup, and book to see Santa, via the Lion Walk website.”
The evening will also mark the opening of Santa’s Grotto in Lion Walk Courtyard, with bookings already open for families wanting to enjoy a magical visit to meet Father Christmas during the festive season.
For further information about the Christmas Lights Switch On, Santa’s Grotto bookings and festive activities at Lion Walk, visit www.lionwalkcourtyard.com.
