Light switch-ons and winter parades

A show literally made of light. Spark! brings illuminated drumming, playful characters and real crowd connection to the biggest night of your town's winter.

Check your date

Spark! performers in white and gold drumming beneath giant Christmas decorations in a shopping centre.

The switch-on specialists

Built for the big countdown

Christmas light switch-ons are one of Spark!'s home occasions. The show parades crowds in towards the stage, holds the atmosphere through the build-up and makes the moment the lights go on feel bigger. Councils, BIDs and shopping centres across the UK bring Spark! back year after year.

Recent winters include Kew Gardens Christmas, Retford Illuminate, Brent Cross Town, Eldon Square Newcastle and switch-ons across the UK.

Ask about this winter

Spark! performers in mirrored gold costumes drumming in a shopping centre as shoppers watch from the balconies.

Photo: Simon Dewhurst

Indoors or out

Town centre, shopping centre, light trail

Outdoor switch-on stages, indoor centre courts, winter light festivals and lantern parades: the show adapts to the space and the audience. Illuminated drums and costumes mean Spark! reads beautifully from a distance and up close, day or night.

Spark! at festivals and parades

The Spark! ensemble drumming in blue light across a town square, festive town hall lit behind.

Spark! performers drumming at night in a park, one lifting an illuminated drum overhead, lit purple and white.

Two Spark! performers in silver costumes leaning together mid-performance, their drums glowing warm orange.

A Spark! performer leaning in as a child plays the illuminated drums, families watching under Christmas lights.

Spark! performers in white and gold drumming at a Christmas market beneath strings of lights.

Kind words

From winter light events

“

It was fantastic to hear that people had travelled to Retford just to see the drummers. The event was discussed positively for days and weeks after, well into the New Year.

Alison Shipperbottom

Bassetlaw District Council, Illuminate Retford

“

You filled the air with magic, exciting sound and beautiful illumination. The whole town of Alnwick is buzzing and I think they will be talking about it for a while to come.

Nicola Davidson

The Alnwick Garden

“

Marvellous, simply marvellous, a different, dynamic, spectacular way to begin our Switch On. I've had pots of compliments.

Jon Hogan

Coventry City Council

Switch-on questions

When should we book for a Christmas light switch-on?

As early as you can. November and December weekends fill first, and most councils, BIDs and shopping centres confirm their switch-on entertainment between August and October. If your date is close, ask anyway; we will tell you honestly what is available.

How does Spark! fit around the switch-on moment itself?

However works best for your running order. Spark! can parade the crowd in towards the stage, hold the atmosphere in the build-up, frame the countdown and then lift the moment after the lights go on. We plan the timings with you.

What about the weather?

Winter events are our home ground. Spark! performs outdoors through the season, and safety decisions are made with you on the day. The show also works beautifully indoors, in shopping centres and covered spaces.

Is the show suitable for family audiences?

Completely. The characters are playful and warm, and children are usually the first ones dancing. Spark! performs at family events across the UK every winter.

Dates go fast

Planning this winter?

Tell us your switch-on date and we'll confirm availability straight away.

Check your date