The JQBID’s biggest ever Christmas Lights Switch On event is set to take place this month, with visitors set to enjoy live music, special guest appearances, food, drinks and a spectacular fireworks display from 5-8 PM. Launching on Thursday 17th November the festive ceremony will coincide with the return of the BID’s fourth annual Christmas Window Trail, which will showcase over 70 local businesses across the Quarter until December 25th.
Fireworks from the top of the Big Peg building.
Featuring over 100 bespoke Christmas lights, the Jewellery Quarter’s festive decorations will be accompanied by two 30-foot Christmas trees and Birmingham’s largest lighting feature – an impressive 3m x 3m illuminated diamond ring – which are set to transform the area into a winter wonderland.
Canoodle Catering will be providing delicious dishes from two street food vendors for the evening, and visitors will also be able to enjoy a seasonal tipple from local venues including Rose Villa Tavern, Lunchi and Urban whilst watching a dazzling fireworks display from 6 PM onwards. There will also be a chance for visitors to support Ladywood Food Bank with a food donation drop off point throughout the event.
Commenting ahead of the festive activities, JQDT Executive Director Luke Crane, says:
“After many months of planning, we’re so excited to be kicking off the festive season in style with the return of our Christmas Lights Switch On and Christmas Window Trail! We can’t wait for people to come and celebrate all that the Jewellery Quarter has to offer, especially at a time that’s so important to our local business community. We are also glad to be able to use the event to raise awareness and support for those less fortunate in our community via Ladywood Food Bank”
Alongside a compere and three live music performances at the Switch On Ceremony, Chef Dan Lee, Winner of MasterChef the Professionals 2021 – is set to take centre stage on Thursday evening as a special guest.
Starting the next day on November 18th the Jewellery Quarter’s Christmas Window Trail is back: having tripled the number of participating businesses since first launching in 2019, the trail is set to feature over 70 local businesses that will be mapped out for residents and visitors alike to explore during the festive season. With the likes of 1000 Trades, Newey’s Jewellers and Harris Gibbs Hair signed up and set to take part -visitors will be able to vote for their favourite window via the BID’s website and social media. The trail is in support of Change Into Action and includes a stop at the Banksy to remind us why it’s so important to help homeless people at this time of year.
The Jewellery Quarter’s Christmas Light Switch on is set to take place Thursday 17th November from 5 – 8PM. Visitors can vote for their favourite window in the JQBID’s Christmas Window Trail by posting it on social media using the hashtag #JQChristmas or voting online.
For more information on both events, visit jewelleryquarter.net/jq-christmas or download the Discover JQ app: https://www.discoverjq.co.uk/
