Join us for the Hartlepool Christmas Lights Switch-On!

The FREE event is on Friday 1st December from 5pm to 7pm in Church Square and is organised by Hartlepool Borough Council with sponsorship from headline sponsor X-energy and from MKM Building Supplies and the Northern School of Art.

* Come and meet stiltwalking performers the Ice Maiden and the Snow Queen – beautiful, ice-cold maidens in sparkling costumes who tower above the crowd and brighten the way through the blizzards and dark night.

* Be captivated by The Angels, who are on a mission to spread Peace, Love, Joy and Laughter wherever they go. Beautiful illuminated costumes, neon halos and absurd humour combine in this unmissable international street theatre.

* Have a laugh a minute with the stars of this year’s Hartlepool Christmas pantomime Peter Pan and the Lost Boys.

* Be dazzled by a magical, winter-themed animated light show projected onto the Art Gallery tower. Created by Illustration students from the Northern School of Art, it will explore the legacy of The Tall Ships Races Hartlepool 2023.

* Say hello to Hartlepool’s two favourite mascots, Hartley and H’Angus.

* Struggling to find innovative festive gifts? Make tracks to the Christmas Market in the Art Gallery for a feast of unusual items from a host of talented craftspeople.

The excitement will build to 6.30pm, when Councillor Shane Moore, the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, will be joined by some of the Sail Trainees from The Tall Ships Races Hartlepool 2023 and Leon Flexman, Corporate Affairs Director (UK) of X-energy, to switch on the Christmas lights.  

Rounding the evening off will be Christmas carols from Hartlepool choir Songbirds.

Councillor Moore said: “Come and join us for a magical evening filled with fun and festive spirit as we light up the town and start the countdown to Christmas.

“A big thank you to our sponsors X-energy, MKM Building Supplies and the Northern School of Art for supporting what I’m sure will be another fantastic event which all the family will enjoy. Christmas here we come!”

Carol Tansley, Vice President of UK New Build Projects at X-energy, said: "It's a pleasure to be a part of this event which signals the beginning of the festive season. 

“We know how well Hartlepool does community celebrations having been a proud supporter of The Tall Ships Races Hartlepool this year.

“As a power company, a magical evening based on lighting up the town is right up our street! We look forward to seeing everyone there."