The festive season is officially beginning in Sandwell as the borough prepares for its annual Christmas lights switch-on ceremonies. A series of free community events will illuminate towns across the area, starting this week and continuing into December.
Festive Fun Kicks Off in Friar Park
The celebrations commence in Friar Park, Wednesbury on Friday, November 14. From 4pm to 7.30pm, families can enjoy a packed schedule of live entertainment centred around the Open Heaven Church on Crankhall Lane.
The event features performances from local choirs including Mesty Croft Academy and Tameside Primary Academy. Vocalists Lawrie Jean, Rosie Ginnifer, and Mike Cope will provide musical entertainment, alongside Alex Hill, winner of Walsall Young Music Star 2025. The Walsall Music Education Service's Jazz Combo and Theatre Crazy will also perform.
Children can meet their favourite characters at scheduled times, with appearances from Spider-Man, JJ from Cocomelon, Gabby's Dollhouse, and Super Mario. The main event, the lights switch-on, is scheduled for 7.05pm.
Blackheath and Borough-Wide Celebrations
Blackheath High Street will host its switch-on on Saturday, November 15 from 5pm to 7pm. The entertainment lineup includes Jay Jay Party Music, Eminence Danceworks, and singer Hollie Aston Baugh. The arrival of Santa is a highlight at 5.30pm.
The ceremonial switch-on will be performed by Santa and the Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Steve Melia, at 6.30pm. Trish Adudu from BBC Radio WM will host the final segment. A tombola stall will raise funds for the Mayor's charities, with prizes donated by local businesses.
Complete Schedule of Switch-On Events
Residents across Sandwell can look forward to festive illuminations in their local areas throughout November and early December. Here is the full list of confirmed events:
- Smethwick (Council House): Thursday, November 20, 5pm-6pm (switch-on at 5.45pm)
- Bearwood (Near the clock): Friday, November 21, 5pm-6pm (switch-on at 5.45pm)
- Wednesbury (Near the clock tower): Saturday, November 22, 1pm-6.30pm (switch-on at 6pm)
- West Bromwich (Farley Fountain, behind Primark): Saturday, November 22, 3pm-6pm (switch-on at 5.15pm)
- Tipton (Unity Walk): Friday, November 28, 4pm-6.30pm (switch-on at 6.15pm)
- Langley (High Street): Saturday, November 29, 5pm-7.30pm (switch-on at 5.30pm)
- Oldbury (Between Sandwell Council House and Sainsbury’s): Friday, December 5, 3pm-6.30pm (switch-on at 6pm)
Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming events. "Our free Sandwell Christmas lights switch-on events are such a joyous occasion in our towns as we all join together with families, friends and neighbours to celebrate the start of the festive season," she said.
"We are proud to continue such a well-loved tradition while also supporting local businesses and showcasing what our community has to offer. As these events begin, we encourage our residents to join and enjoy Christmas lights, festive music and create jolly memories as a community."
