After being cancelled the last two years due to Covid, this year's Christmas lights switch-on in Norwich will be extra special.

From timings to the famous face switching on the lights, here is all you need to know ahead of the 2022 event. 

What is the date and what are the timings for the switch-on?

The Norwich Christmas lights switch-on will take place on Thursday, November 17 outside City Hall.

The family-friendly event will begin at 5.45pm with free entertainment and the lights will be switched on at 7pm. 

Norwich Evening News:

Who is turning on the lights this year?

Britain’s Got Talent star Linda John-Pierre is turning on the Christmas lights and she will also be singing. 

She stars as Fairy Fullobeans in this year's Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.

Father Christmas will also be making an appearance. 

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Christmas lights switch on. Tanya Burr and husband Jim Chapman take a selfie with Santa.Picture: ANTONY KELLY

What is the entertainment and will there be food and drink available? 

The entertainment includes ballerinas, Framtastics Gymnastics, local band Austin Beats and a sneak peek at the Maddermarket Theatre pantomime. 

Children can enjoy fairground rides on Gentleman’s Walk and food will be available from Norwich Market and pop-up vendors on Millennium Plain.

Are there any road closures in place?

6am-9pm - St Peters Street
4pm-10.30pm - Upper St Giles Street
4pm-9pm - Bank Plain; Bedford Street; Bethel Street (between its junctions with St. Peters Street and the Forum car park); Brigg Street; Exchange Street; Gaol Hill; Gentleman’s Walk; London Street; Opie Street; Queen Street; Rampant Horse Street; St Andrews Hill; St Giles Street (from Upper Goat Lane to Guildhall Hill); Tombland; Theatre Street and William Booth Street.

Norwich Evening News: The Norwich Christmas lights switch-on takes place this Thursday. The Norwich Christmas lights switch-on takes place this Thursday. (Image: Archant)

Is the lights switch-on accessible?

Yes, there will be a British Sign Language interpreter and an extended accessible area in front of the stage for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues - book by emailing events@norwich.gov.uk

A quieter area will also be available in the motorbike park opposite City Hall for anyone who needs more space, for example for pushchairs. 

This area cannot be booked in advance so will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Will the Tunnel of Light be returning?

The Tunnel of Light on Hay Hill will be switched on from November 17 until January 5, featuring 50,000 LEDs.