Christmas spirit heads to Colmore Business District for light switch-on event

The festive spirit officially arrives in Colmore Business District on 17 November with the switch on of over 150 Christmas light features and the opening of Christmas in Cathedral Square.

Colmore Business District’s Christmas lights will be officially switched on at a special event held in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral form 6.30pm on Wednesday 17 November. Over 150 light features, including a light arch in Snow Hill Square, Christmas trees in Church Street Square and Colmore Square and the District’s biggest ever tree, standing at 9m in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral, will light up in unison for all to see. The evening will feature an array of live music and entertainment and of course, plenty of food, drink and shopping opportunities with the opening of Christmas in Cathedral Square.

Running 17 November – 19 December, Christmas in Cathedral Square features over 40 craft, gift, food and drink stalls, providing a platform for local businesses, producers and craftspeople to showcase their goods in the run up to Christmas. The market complements other established festive events in the city centre, such as the Frankfurt Christmas Market, Ice Skate Birmingham and City Social. Christmas in Cathedral Square has been delivered by Colmore BID, in partnership with Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Cathedral and Danter Attractions Limited.

Some of the District’s finest food and drink venues will be taking up residency in the Christmas chalets, including, Hookways, Java Roastery and Purecraft Bar & Kitchen. They will be joined by other vendors from across the city and region including, Loki Wine, Miss Macaroon, Pineapple Club, Dirty Dogs and Fries, Donut Shack, Mumbai Grill and Fruit Dippers.

Michele Wilby, CEO of Colmore BID said: “Christmas is almost upon us and we can’t wait to celebrate it with everyone. Christmas in Cathedral Square has been a long time in the making and we’re so pleased to see this idea come to fruition. Our light switch on events are always popular with the local community, but this year’s event is our biggest yet as we combine it with the opening of our festive market.

“The city’s top attractions have worked closely to strengthen Birmingham’s festive offering this year and we hope what we have in store for everyone makes up for 2020. We encourage people to not only visit Christmas in Cathedral Square, but also explore the many other sights in the District and beyond. Colmore Business District is much more than just a place to do business. We have over 60 fantastic hospitality venues, shops and hotels in the District, offering everything from a quiet festive coffee through to the perfect Christmas party with friends. After a challenging 2021, these venues need our support more than ever and will be pulling out all the stops to cater for everyone’s needs.”

The Colmore Business District Christmas Light Switch On takes place 6.30-7.30pm on Wednesday 17 November in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral and is free to attend. Prior to the switch on, you are also invited to attend Evensong at Birmingham Cathedral, which starts at 5.45pm.