Southend Switch On Star Announced!
Southend’s very own Sonny Green will have the honour of switching on the city’s Christmas lights this November, following an extraordinary year that has seen the poet, performer and musician capture the attention of audiences across the country.
Sonny will take to the main stage at the Southend Christmas Lights Switch On event on Saturday 14th November, before officially lighting up the city at 6pm with The Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, Councillor Tony Cox.
The announcement brings what has been an incredible year for the proud Southend performer back to where it all began - his home city.
Sonny became one of the standout stars of Britain’s Got Talent 2026, reaching the live final and ultimately finishing sixth after winning over both the judges and the public with his powerful and deeply personal spoken-word performances. His semi-final performance earned him Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer, sending him straight through to the final and putting a Southend voice firmly on the national stage.
But Britain’s Got Talent has been just one chapter in an exceptional year for Sonny. He has continued to champion his hometown through his music and poetry, published his spoken-word collection “What England Means To Me”, and released his England World Cup track “We’re Telling ’Em”, which reached No.17 on the Official Singles Sales Chart.
Earlier in the year, Sonny also celebrated his hometown with his specially written “What Southend Means to Me”, premiered as part of Southend City Day and attracting more than 50,000 views across the council’s social media channels.
Now, he will return to the heart of the city for one of Southend’s biggest annual celebrations.
Suzanne Gloyne, Southend City BID Manager, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have Sonny switching on Southend’s Christmas lights this year. It has been incredible to watch everything he has achieved over the past year, and I know so many people across the city have been following his journey and feeling enormously proud of him.
“What makes Sonny such a perfect choice is the pride he continues to show in Southend. Wherever his career takes him, he remains a fantastic ambassador for his hometown and is always keen to celebrate where he comes from.
“The Christmas Lights Switch On is one of those really special occasions when thousands of people come together in the city centre, and I think seeing one of Southend’s own on stage for that countdown will make this year’s event particularly special. We can’t wait to welcome Sonny and everyone joining us on 14th November.”
Sonny Green said:
“Southend is home, so being asked to switch on the Christmas lights in my own city is a massive honour. This year has been unbelievable for me and I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve had from people back home throughout everything that’s happened.
“I’m proud to be from Southend and I’m always proud to represent the city, so to be standing on that stage with everyone there for Christmas is going to be a really special moment for me. I can’t wait to see everyone, get the city into the Christmas spirit and hopefully make a bit of noise before we switch those lights on!”
The Southend Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026 takes place on Saturday 14th November, with a full day of festive entertainment and activities planned across Southend city centre.
Visitors can expect live performances, entertainment, festive activities and Christmas shopping throughout the day before attention turns to the main stage for the countdown to the lights.
Sonny Green will officially switch on Southend’s Christmas lights at 6pm.
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