Who is turning on the Christmas lights in Peterborough in 2026?
The big switch-on takes place next Friday (November 20)
The countdown to Peterborough’s 2026 Christmas lights switch-on is well and truly on, with thousands of people set to gather in Cathedral Square next Friday (November 20) for an evening of festive fun.
Hosted by Boomerang Radio, the free family-friendly event will feature live music, local performers, and a range of festive food stalls.
This year’s festivities will take place between 5pm and 7.30pm, with the big switch-on happening at around 7pm.
St John's Church in Cathedral Square will be open as usual on the evening, providing a quiet space, refreshments and toilets until 9pm.
As with any Christmas lights event, the most important part of the evening is, of course, the switch-on itself.
In recent years, Peterborough’s Christmas lights have been switched on by a range of familiar faces, including Eastenders actor and Bretton native Cheryl Fergison, who had the honour in 2022 and 2024.
Last year, the city’s lights were switched on by Only Fools and Horses actor Steven Woodcock, who appeared in The Cresset’s production of Beauty and the Beast.
Who will be turning on Peterborough’s Christmas lights in 2026?
This year continues the tradition of stars of The Cresset’s pantomime production turning on the lights, alongside Father Christmas.
Those in attendance at the switch-on can expect to see Coronation Street legend Kevin Kenndy, among others from the Peter Pan cast, on stage in Cathedral Square.
Boomerang’s presenters will also be joined on stage by the Peterborough Cathedral Choir, the Peterborough Rock Choir, local singers Thomas Dunleavy and Malcolm Fovargue.
Local mascots including Peter Burrow from The Posh will be there too.