Nominate Community Hero to light up the Barbican this Christmas

17th October 2022

It’s a cracker of an opportunity – the chance to recognise an unsung hero and put the festive sparkle into Plymouth’s Barbican at the same time.

Plymouth Waterfront Partnership (PWP) is looking for people to nominate their extra special 2022 Community Hero, with the winner joining the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann and Santa to do the honours at PWP Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-on, sponsored by PL1 Events.

The event, on Saturday, November 19, will not only  illuminate Southside Street ahead of the festive season but shine a light on a deserving individual who has gone above and beyond to support the community in Plymouth this year.

Jon Walton, Chief Executive of PWP, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-on, which is one of the waterfront’s festive highlights and a great opportunity to support our amazing local businesses and have a lot of fun!

“All that we’re missing is a Community Hero to take on the honour of switching on the lights. Over the last year, we’ve seen the people of Plymouth come together as a community to support each other in so many different ways, and this is our chance to say a huge thank you to an unsung hero and celebrate all their hard work.

“This is a celebration of all that is good in Plymouth and a community event that should be led by the community."

Community Hero nominations can be made on the Visit Plymouth website, with an explanation, in a maximum of 150 words, of why the nominee should be chosen. Nominations  are open now and close on Sunday 6 November.

The nominee must live in Plymouth and be available to attend the event on November 19 which will launch the Christmas campaign for the waterfront.

On the day of the switch-on, the festive fun will begin at 12pm with lots of free activities and entertainment across the Barbican.  Children will be able to visit Santa in his grotto, after he arrives from across the water on the RNLI boat.

Families can soak up the festive joy as local choirs perform on The Parade. There will be Christmas themed street entertainers and performers, festive storytelling, rides to enjoy, plus a selection of stalls selling delicious Christmas treats.

Look out for the festive bus on Southside Street, which will be hosting The Lord Mayor of Plymouth, the Community Hero, Santa and his special guests, who will be switching on the Christmas lights, at approximately 5.30pm.

Find out more about the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-on and how to nominate your Community Hero, by visiting the website: visitplymouth.co.uk/barbican-lights-switch-on