Bath’s Christmas lights will be switched on live on national TV this evening by The One Show presenters Matt Baker and Alex Jones.
In a major boost for the city’s tourism profile, Bath will form the backdrop to the live BBC show between 7pm and 7.30pm. Comedian John Bishop will be guest of honour as the presenters perform the official lights ceremony in Milsom Street.
The countdown to the big switch on starts at 6pm and will include choirs, celebrity and sporting guests and a demonstration on how to cook the perfect Christmas dinner courtesy of sponsors Waitrose, which will launch its newly-renovated Bath store, on Thursday.
Hosting the event will be Ali Vowels from BBC Points West and Steve LeFevre from BBC Radio Bristol. They will be joined on stage by London 2012 Olympic medalists Heather Stanning and Samantha Murray.
University of Bath graduate Heather won gold in the women’s pair rowing while Samantha, who trains with all the British Pentathlete team at the University of Bath Sports Training Village, won silver in the Pentathlon.
The Bath Christmas Lights 2012 Switch On event is co-ordinated by the Bath Business Improvement District (BID) with support from Bath & North East Somerset Council, Waitrose Food & Home and the Bath Chronicle.
Bath BID manager Andrew Cooper said: “We are thrilled to be working with The One Show and BBC Children in Need and are confident that the people of Bath will share the excitement and give generously to this important cause.”
Waitrose Bath manager Nigel Huxley added: “This year’s switching on of the Christmas lights is set to be something very special and we’re delighted to sponsor the city’s festive transformation.
“Waitrose Bath has just undergone it’s own transformation into a Food & Home shop, which is set to be unveiled this Thursday. This provides the perfect way to thank the people of Bath for all their support.”
One Show presenter Matt Baker will arrive in Bath with a team of young rickshaw riders this afternoon having travelled from Cardiff on the fifth day of their eight-leg challenge to reach London from Llandudno.
They’re hoping the trip will raise more than £1m for Children in Need.
