Barbican Christmas lights being switched on tonight
Community Hero Mehdi Taheri will flick the switch
It's the Barbican Christmas lights switch-on tonight which attracts tens of thousands of people.
The big switch on is at 5.15pm, with family entertainment from 12-6pm including a Santa Grotto, facepainting, and Gables' Dog Show.
Santa will be arriving into the Barbican Landing Stage via RNLI lifeboat at 4.30pm. and making his way to the stage by 5pm.
Switching on the lights will be this year's Community Hero Mehdi Taheri, along with the Lord Mayor and Santa.
Sarah Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, said: “The Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On is such a special community event here in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City.
A huge thank you to all the waterfront businesses – from our independent shops and galleries to our pubs, cafes, restaurants, hotels, B&Bs and offices – whose support and energy make this celebration possible and light up the Barbican, Sutton Harbour, Bretonside and Millbay Park throughout the festive season.”
The event by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership is supported by Dartmoor Zoo, PL1 Events and Cattewater Harbour Commissioners and in addition, on that day, will be the return of the "Oosterschelde" - the Dutch three-masted schooner which itself is a replica of the HMS Beagle.
Mark Veal Sutton Harbour Harbour Master & General Manager said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the magnificent tall ship Oosterschelde back into the historic Barbican area of Plymouth- it’s a testament to her crew and owners to see one of the last remaining historic tall ships still sailing today. Her return to Plymouth marks a proud moment for our maritime community, as we once again host a vessel of such cultural and historical significance.
"Her visit to Plymouth follows the warm and enthusiastic welcome she received here at the start of her global voyage in August 2023. The Barbican, with its rich maritime heritage, provides a fitting backdrop for this extraordinary ship and her crew. We encourage residents and visitors alike to come down and witness this living piece of history."