Marcus Skeet will throw the switch on Hull’s festive illuminations
2024 Hull Christmas lights switch-on
Hull’s Christmas lights will be switched on this year by Pride of Britain 2025 award winner Marcus Skeet, known to his thousands of online followers as The Hull Boy. Marcus will join the Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Cheryl Payne, as well as a special guest direct from the North Pole to get the festive period under way.
On Thursday, November 20, Queen Victoria Square will come alive with stunning light and sound installations, with thousands expected to crowd into the city centre for the celebration, in which Marcus will play a central role. Entertainment will begin at 5.30pm, with DJ Darren Lethem returning as host on the Hull City Hall balcony.
He will introduce live performers from State of the Arts Academy, including Dave Walkington, Russ Fallon, Alex from Venus and X-Factor’s Samantha. The MICE choir and Little Darlings Princess Parties will also perform live.
Marcus, the Lord Mayor and Father Christmas will switch on the lights at 6.45pm, complete with a firework display ( weather dependent) over Queen Victoria Square. Marcus, who famously ran from Lands End to John O’Groats in aid of Mind, becoming the youngest person to do so, said: “It’s an honour for me and my family to be asked to turn on the lights.
“I’ve seen it on the television for years. It means the world to us and I cannot wait.”
The Lord Mayor said: “Hull’s Christmas lights switch-on is a highlight in our city’s calendar and a fantastic occasion for families to kick off the festive season. I am honoured to be joined by Marcus so we can celebrate his amazing achievements too.
“I know the people of Hull will welcome him with open arms as a wonderful local ambassador.” At the centre of the event, a 50ft Norwegian spruce, sponsored by KWL, will be lit for the first time, following its arrival into Queen Victoria Square on Friday, November 14.
The event kicks off the festive season in Hull with Christmas activities taking place across the city, including a bumper Christmas weekend of fun planned for November 29 and 30, which will see markets and family entertainment take over much of the city centre. For anyone wanting to avoid driving into the city centre for any of the festivities, East Yorkshire and Stagecoach buses provide regular services from across the city and, with the Government-funded fare cap, a single journey costs no more than £3.
Anyone travelling with family and friends can also save money by purchasing a Hull Card Group ticket for up to six people of any age, for £14.90, which provides unlimited travel on both operators’ services. Depending on the destination, last buses depart from Hull Paragon Interchange between 11pm and 11.30pm – visit the operators’ websites or download apps to help plan your journey.
You can find out more about Christmas events and activities in Hull at the Visit Hull website.