BBC Essex Joins Southend Christmas Lights Switch On As Media Partner

The countdown to Christmas in Southend is officially on, with BBC Essex confirmed as Media Partner for Southend’s Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026, taking place on Saturday 14th November.

Marching Band accompany BBC Essex presenters, the Mayor of Southend, and guests to switch on the Southend lights in 2025.

BBC Essex presenter Sonia Watson, from the BBC Essex Breakfast programme, will return to host the main stage, guiding crowds through an afternoon of live entertainment before the city’s Christmas lights are switched on at 6pm.

And with the first performers now confirmed, this year’s stage is already shaping up to be a brilliant celebration of local talent.

Joining the line-up will be Barling Magna Primary Academy, jazz artist Ruby Robinson, Kangoo Southend, and The Show Choir, with further performers and entertainment still to be announced.

One of the highlights will come just ahead of the big switch-on, when The Show Choir leads Southend in a huge Christmas Sing Song, bringing the crowd together for a festive finale before the city lights up at 6pm.

The event forms part of Christmas in the City, organised by Southend City BID and supported by headline sponsors Southend Theatres. From 12pm, the High Street will be filled with festive activity including a Christmas market, family entertainment and performances on the main stage and at pop-up locations throughout the city centre. 

Suzanne Gloyne, Southend City BID Manager, said:

"We’re so excited to welcome BBC Essex back to Southend for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch On, and it’s brilliant to have Sonia returning to host our main stage.

For us, this event has always been about showcasing Southend and the amazing talent and community we have here. We’ve got schools, musicians, choirs, performers and community groups involved throughout the day, with lots more still to announce.

I’m particularly excited about our big Christmas Sing Song just before the switch on. We want the whole High Street singing together before we count down to 6pm and officially start Christmas in Southend!

It’s shaping up to be a really special day.”

Sonia Watson, BBC Essex Breakfast presenter, said:

“I’m really looking forward to being back in Southend for the Christmas Lights Switch-On. It’s always such a lovely event, with a brilliant atmosphere and so many people coming together to celebrate. I can’t wait to be back on the main stage and help get Christmas in Southend officially underway!”

Further performers, special guests and festive activities will be announced in the coming weeks.

For the latest updates about Christmas in the City, follow @ChristmasSouthend on Instagram and Facebook.