Christmas Lights Switch On 2025
The Christmas Lights will be switched on in Milford and Belper on Sunday 30th November 2025.
Full details of the event will be shared here closer to the time.
Christmas Lights Switch On 2024
Milford
Sunday 24th November 2024 – 4.45pm
The lights were switched on at Milford Triangle at 4.45pm by Belper Town Mayor, Councillor Sue Devine. Santa Claus and his elves were there to meet all the children and hand out gifts.
Belper
Sunday 24th November 2024 – 5.45pm to 8pm
The lights were switched on at 5.45pm in the Memorial Gardens, by soon-to-be husband and wife team, Derbyshire born and bred broadcaster Sally Pepper, the host of the Truly Madly Derby podcast and Ed Dawes, the voice of Derby County on BBC Radio Derby for more than a decade.
Entertainment in Belper
This year, the Christmas Lights Switch On was combined with the Winter Food and Gift Fair which took place throughout King Street on the same day. A huge variety of stalls were set up offering a wide selection of goods between 11am-7pm. From 4pm, many additional Charity Stalls joined the event at the top of King Street, offering a selection of low-cost items with all profits going to charity.
Elite Elton kicked off the musical entertainment with a rocking hour-long set in the Memorial Gardens. Crowds were gathered to watch the entire performance, and people of all ages were entertained.
Olaf the snowman met children and adults alike and posed for photos up and down King Street.
Santa was in his grotto and listened to the Christmas wishes of over 200 children between Milford and Belper, giving each a gift. Thanks to the generosity of everyone attending, the grotto also raised £349.58 for local charity Hope for Belper, who also provided craft activities for the children as they waited in the queue.
Matthew Cooke brought his traditional Hand Organ and provided further musical entertainment.
