Newcastle-under-Lyme Lights Up Castle as Thousands Celebrate the Christmas Light Switch On

Photo credits: Through A Lens Photography

Newcastle-under-Lyme was filled with festive cheer on Sunday 23rd November as crowds gathered for this year’s Light Up Castle event, delivered by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID alongside 6 Towns Radio and supported by Valcato Entertainment. The town centre was busy throughout the day, with visitors enjoying a full programme of free entertainment leading up to the big countdown and firework finale at 6pm.

Hosted by 6 Towns Radio presenters Dan Townley and Rich Hughes, the main stage outside The Guildhall featured hours of community performances, live music and headline tributes including Love Taylor, a Taylor Swift tribute, and Spice Forever, who had the crowds singing along ahead of the Your Heroes Awards nominees joining the Mayor to switch on the lights.

The afternoon saw popular performances from Shine Academy, Infusion Dance Troupe, Daniel Jones Dance School, Loud Mouth Women Choir and more. Over on the Ironmarket, Castle Artisan Market created a festive atmosphere with makers, bakers, creators and street food, while the 6 Towns Radio gazebo showcased local talent including Regan Webb, Staffordshire Choir and Keele Brass Band Society.

Families took part in free bauble-making workshops and lantern-making sessions with B Arts, creating lanterns ready for the Newcastle Lantern Parade returning on Saturday 6th December.

Charlotte Pearce, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Manager, said:

“Light Up Castle is always one of the most anticipated days in our town calendar and it was brilliant to see Newcastle bustling from lunchtime right through to the switch-on. The atmosphere was fantastic and we loved welcoming the Your Heroes nominees back on stage for such a special moment.

All of our lighting displays and the delivery of Light Up Castle are funded by the BID on behalf of our levy payers, with over 650 metres of lighting, around 65,000 lights, installed across the town.  It’s a huge effort and seeing everyone come together to enjoy it makes it so worthwhile.”

Castle Artisan Market also reported an exceptional day, with traders praising the atmosphere and strong footfall.

Trader Crafty Peddler said:

“That was an amazing event. I’ve had the best trading day ever and I can’t thank all my customers enough. I’ve had some excellent chats and interactions with people that made me laugh and warmed my heart.”

Dan Townley from 6 Towns Radio added:

“Light Up Castle is something I look forward to each year. The energy is always incredible and the turnout this year was amazing. Hosting the main stage again is an honour and it really shows how much people love and support their town.”

Festive celebrations continue with the Newcastle Lantern Parade on Saturday 6th December delivered by Keele in Town with B Arts, followed by the Castle Food & Drink Fest on Saturday 13th December in collaboration with Independent Street.