chesterfield has there's up already switch on 18th november
sheffields get switched on MoorSheffield Christmas Light Switch on
Sunday 18 November
don't know if anybody famous will be switching these lights on

18th november? That's not bad as it happens - 6 weeks or so before xmas?

I was expecting em to get turned on this weekend or something daft.

They could have them on all year, half a dozen light bulbs don't use much electricity.

Theyve started to put them up, but must say isnt there any different 1s, i heard they get them from blackpool. They arent as good as the used to, and wondered if they could have a change instead?:confused::)

Who are "they"? Do they come out at night?

I don't know if there are any different one's

There is an illumination factory at Blackpool

Maybe "they" could have a change instead. Although I think the illuminations are pretty when "they" turn them on.

I really hope we have some Christian motifs included in this year's Christmas decorations, and don't avoid it for fear of offending other religions.

I am not at all religious, but Christmas has its origins in Christianity so should be portrayed as such. I would also be happy to see other religious motifs at other times of the year, i.e Ramadan etc...

I hate it when councils shy away from things and water everything down for fear of offending anyone. As an atheist, I would only be offended if the link between religious festivals and the motifs/figureheads they use was not upheld by the council.

What do other people think?

There's a lot to be said for totally omitting any reference to christianity in christmas. I know christians celebrate it, but it was originally pagan and now 99% materialist.

Even atheists still acknowledge the link between Christmas and Christianity.

Although some people think it has pagan roots the majority identify with it being a Christian festival. If the day ever comes where the majority of people identify with it being Pagan rather than Christian, then I may be inclined to agree with you, Alastair!

We're essentially talking about two different events being marked - the birth of Christ on December 25 (even though there's some doubt as to when he was actually born, as well as if he was actually born), and the Pagan mid-winter festival, which has nothing to do with religious beliefs, just to do with the position of the sun and stuff like that...

Does anyone know when the decorations will go up in Medowhall? We were in there earlier on this week and I thought they would be up but they weren't

Anyone know when the illuminations are being switched on this year?

Anyone know when the illuminations are being switched on this year?

Cant wait :D

P.s no idea.

Sunday 18 November - 1.30pm - 5.30pm.

Make sure your family festive season starts with a bang at the 2008 City Lights Switch On Party.

This free event offers something for the whole family – See a special guest celebrity switch on the City's Lights with Santa and the Lord Mayor on the Real Radio main stage in Barkers Pool.

Bring your family to meet children's characters; take part in fun activities; enjoy festive food and entertainment; and even pick up a few presents at the outdoor Christmas market.

Check out the Real Radio main stage in Barker's Pool for live music and fun family entertainment, plus loads more attractions across the city centre!
The Moor will host its famous Christmas experience culminating in the grand swith on of its festive light display. Father Christmas will be there of course, along with a sleigh and real reideer! There will also be a live nativity scene with animals, snow machines, giant walkabout snowmen, festive music, children's rides, stalls and activities, balloon giveaways and a climbing wall.

hope this helps enjoy:)

Anyone would have thought christmas is tomorrow with all of this publicity so early.

Anyone know who will be doing the big switch on?

someone like ryan maloney my guess toadfish in neighbours?

I really hope we have some Christian motifs included in this year's Christmas decorations, and don't avoid it for fear of offending other religions.

I am not at all religious, but Christmas has its origins in Christianity so should be portrayed as such. I would also be happy to see other religious motifs at other times of the year, i.e Ramadan etc...

I hate it when councils shy away from things and water everything down for fear of offending anyone. As an atheist, I would only be offended if the link between religious festivals and the motifs/figureheads they use was not upheld by the council.

What do other people think?Since we've just had Ramadan and Eid I wouldn't have thought there would be any need for any lights for other festivals apart from hanukkha(sp?)

I'm sure someone will correct me if i'm wrong

Anyone know who will be doing the big switch on?

Pop act McFly have been lined up to entertain the crowds at Sheffield's Christmas lights switch on.

The foursome will be joined by Lil' Chris, from the film Rock School, and new band 365 on the main stage in Barker's Pool from 1330 GMT on Sunday.

:)

Pop act McFly have been lined up to entertain the crowds at Sheffield's Christmas lights switch on.

The foursome will be joined by Lil' Chris, from the film Rock School, and new band 365 on the main stage in Barker's Pool from 1330 GMT on Sunday.

:)

That was last year!!!

oh was it sorry just saw that bit it did not say the date.oh well may be someone better this year hopefully has i am thinking of going this year obviously i didnt go last year lol

The big promblem is the reatailers they wont put there hands in there pockets to support the christmas lights.

oh was it sorry just saw that bit it did not say the date.oh well may be someone better this year hopefully has i am thinking of going this year obviously i didnt go last year lol

Actually, (and I'm not a fan!) it was absolutely fantastic. You'll note from my threads that I don't have much time for Sheffield Council but they got it right last year, it was brill. Apart from pathetic parking opportunities, and shortge of toilets, as usual. And to get a band to switch on Sheffield lights when they were no1 in the charts, was pretty inspirational, more luck than anything, obviously.

Even atheists still acknowledge the link between Christmas and Christianity.

Although some people think it has pagan roots the majority identify with it being a Christian festival. If the day ever comes where the majority of people identify with it being Pagan rather than Christian, then I may be inclined to agree with you, Alastair!

We're essentially talking about two different events being marked - the birth of Christ on December 25 (even though there's some doubt as to when he was actually born, as well as if he was actually born), and the Pagan mid-winter festival, which has nothing to do with religious beliefs, just to do with the position of the sun and stuff like that...


You really know nothing whatsoever about the history of Christmas. The reason it is when it is is precisely because it was a long standing, major festival surrounding the solstice. The church tried for many years to stamp out the annual revelry, but failed, so they hijacked it instead. Almost all the symbols and traditions of Christmas that we're taught are because of Jesus were fully established centuries before Christianity had any connection with it. The only specifically Christian invention is having a crib scene. Everything else is Pagan or Roman or Viking or whatever. Celebrating the solstice is rooted into cultures worldwide, and there's no 'just' about it. The sun is everything and well worth worshipping or feeling thankful for.

All through the 'Christian' epoch of the midwinter whatever-it's-called, the authorities have had trouble making people pay attention to its 'true' i.e. hijacked cause. People have always just used it as an excuse for a party. It was banned in Scotland by the Presbyterian Church, so the partying just shifted to New Year instead. And in Scotland Hogmanay is still the big deal.

Almost nobody does Christmas for Pagan reasons but hardly anyone does it as a Christian festival either, and just call it Christmas because that's what it happens to be called in the present epoch. But my belief is that whatever it's called and whoever tries to 'own' it, the fact is that in the depths of midwinter people, ie humanity, all through the ages, feel a deep need to find an excuse for glitter and parties and food and drink and fire and lights and friendship and presents and special things. There's barely anyone who doesn't feel a certain something at the turn of the season or the significance of a new year round the corner.

I'm not bothered if Christians want to celebrate their Jesus thing then, but don't ever imply that they invented it or made it what it is, because they simply didn't. I would guaruntee that if Christianity hadn't hijacked it, we'd still be having some sort of big festival in midwinter with just the same sorts of symbols and ingredients.



As for the lights, I wonder what happens to the Regent Street lights when they're done with. Maybe they could spend a few years going on tour around the major cities before being discarded. I don't know how feasible that is but it's something I'd like to see.

the problem was leeds had mc fly as well

Father Christmas will be there of course, along with a sleigh and real reideer!

Reindeer Despatch Depot
Location: Lapland, Middle Earth

Reindeer #1: So where you posted to next week

Reindeer #2: Moorfoot, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Reindeer #1: Bad luck mate ... while u r there, u mind popping into PoundLand and grab us a TV aerial?? Cant keep plonkin granny down by the back of the telly for reception anymore

Reindeer #2: I s'pose.

Purdyamos - calm down dear, it's a commercial!

Point taken, but you have a real bee in your bonnett don't you!?

I think more people celebrate Christmas for Christian reasons than you may think, whatever the origins.

Sunday 18 November - 1.30pm - 5.30pm.

Make sure your family festive season starts with a bang at the 2008 City Lights Switch On Party.

This free event offers something for the whole family – See a special guest celebrity switch on the City's Lights with Santa and the Lord Mayor on the Real Radio main stage in Barkers Pool.

Bring your family to meet children's characters; take part in fun activities; enjoy festive food and entertainment; and even pick up a few presents at the outdoor Christmas market.

Check out the Real Radio main stage in Barker's Pool for live music and fun family entertainment, plus loads more attractions across the city centre!
The Moor will host its famous Christmas experience culminating in the grand swith on of its festive light display. Father Christmas will be there of course, along with a sleigh and real reideer! There will also be a live nativity scene with animals, snow machines, giant walkabout snowmen, festive music, children's rides, stalls and activities, balloon giveaways and a climbing wall.

hope this helps enjoy:)

Do you work for the council? The lights are really poor. I remember taking my son to the switch on and when they swiched them on all I could think was - have they switched them on and my son said - when are they turning them on.

Do you work for the council? The lights are really poor. I remember taking my son to the switch on and when they swiched them on all I could think was - have they switched them on and my son said - when are they turning them on.

Yeah, actually, having said it was a fab switch on last year, I had forgot something....As well as the lack of toilets and parking spaces letting the night down....so did the lack of lights :roll:

Do you work for the council? The lights are really poor. I remember taking my son to the switch on and when they swiched them on all I could think was - have they switched them on and my son said - when are they turning them on.

no i dont work for the council.i went to the light switch on only once i think years ago was it def leppard that turned them on?
i just tried to help the people asking when the lights would be on by quoting what the sheffield city council say about this brilliant event.
maybe they over exaggerate how good it will be.who knows lets debate after the event :)

Almost nobody does Christmas for Pagan reasons but hardly anyone does it as a Christian festival either, and just call it Christmas because that's what it happens to be called in the present epoch. But my belief is that whatever it's called and whoever tries to 'own' it, the fact is that in the depths of midwinter people, ie humanity, all through the ages, feel a deep need to find an excuse for glitter and parties and food and drink and fire and lights and friendship and presents and special things. There's barely anyone who doesn't feel a certain something at the turn of the season or the significance of a new year round the corner.


I always have trouble figuring out what I feel about Christams. I have no faith or belief structure, but I think this sums it up perfectly. I see it as a time to remember all the special people we have around us, and have some fun!


As for the lights, I wonder what happens to the Regent Street lights when they're done with. Maybe they could spend a few years going on tour around the major cities before being discarded. I don't know how feasible that is but it's something I'd like to see.

That's a really good idea! I do think our lights really are quite pityful.

I really hope we have some Christian motifs included in this year's Christmas decorations, and don't avoid it for fear of offending other religions.

I am not at all religious, but Christmas has its origins in Christianity so should be portrayed as such. I would also be happy to see other religious motifs at other times of the year, i.e Ramadan etc...

I hate it when councils shy away from things and water everything down for fear of offending anyone. As an atheist, I would only be offended if the link between religious festivals and the motifs/figureheads they use was not upheld by the council.

What do other people think?

hope so as there is a a decoration up at the moment on the town centere saying "happy eid"

Was the happy eid ever taken down definitely still there at easter time. As for having christian lights up why not ? If anyone is offended do not look .

I wondered how many posts it would take on this forum for the depressingly predictable 'WAR ON CHRISTMAS' (http://www.guardian.co.uk/christmas2006/story/0,,1967367,00.html) posts to crop up.

'They'll be stopping us eating Hot Cross Buns next, it's political correctness gone mad I tell you blah blah blah'.

Does anyone know when Meadowhall are switching their lights on?

Not sure when the lights go on but the Christmas opening times are in force already 10am - 10pm on weekdays

I really hope we have some Christian motifs included in this year's Christmas decorations, and don't avoid it for fear of offending other religions.

I am not at all religious, but Christmas has its origins in Christianity so should be portrayed as such. I would also be happy to see other religious motifs at other times of the year, i.e Ramadan etc...

I hate it when councils shy away from things and water everything down for fear of offending anyone. As an atheist, I would only be offended if the link between religious festivals and the motifs/figureheads they use was not upheld by the council.

What do other people think?

I agree with you.

I remember last year (or the year before) in Orchard Square there was a complete Nativity scene in the window of Culpeppers. The shop was no longer trading yet someone had put a very detailed Nativity Scene in the window, quite a large one. I often noticed people stopping to look at it.

Would be nice to see something similar in the city centre.

Sunday 18 November - 1.30pm - 5.30pm.

Make sure your family festive season starts with a bang at the 2008 City Lights Switch On Party.

This free event offers something for the whole family – See a special guest celebrity switch on the City's Lights with Santa and the Lord Mayor on the Real Radio main stage in Barkers Pool.

Bring your family to meet children's characters; take part in fun activities; enjoy festive food and entertainment; and even pick up a few presents at the outdoor Christmas market.

Check out the Real Radio main stage in Barker's Pool for live music and fun family entertainment, plus loads more attractions across the city centre!
The Moor will host its famous Christmas experience culminating in the grand swith on of its festive light display. Father Christmas will be there of course, along with a sleigh and real reideer! There will also be a live nativity scene with animals, snow machines, giant walkabout snowmen, festive music, children's rides, stalls and activities, balloon giveaways and a climbing wall.

hope this helps enjoy:)

2008? Am I a year behind everyone else :huh:

This is what it says on there site now :hihi:

council who would have em :rolleyes:

Sunday 18 November - 1.00pm - 5.30pm.

Make sure your family festive season starts with a bang at the 2007 City Lights Switch On Party.

This free event offers something for the whole family – See a special guest celebrity switch on the City's Lights with Santa on the Real Radio main stage in Barkers Pool. Or see the Lord Mayor and special guests on the Town Hall balcony counting down to the lights switch on while watching the main stage on the big screen at the top of Fargate.

Bring your family to meet children's characters Lunar Jim, Postman Pat, Sarah Jane Honeywell and the Teletubbies stars of Cbeebies live!

Check out the Real Radio main stage in Barker's Pool for live music and fun family entertainment, plus loads more attractions across the city centre. Take part in fun activities; enjoy festive food and entertainment; and even pick up a few presents at the outdoor Christmas market.

The Moor will host its famous Christmas experience with Father Christmas and of course his sleigh and real reideer! There will also be a live nativity scene with animals, snow machines, giant walkabout snowmen, festive music, children's rides, stalls and activities, balloon giveaways and a climbing wall. Watch the Teletubbies switch on the Moor christmas lights at 3pm.

Sheffield Wednesday players and Barney Owl will be switching on the Orchard Square christmas lights at 2pm, with music performed by Santa's "Little" Band who will be at the Square through out Christmas.

They could have them on all year, half a dozen light bulbs don't use much electricity.

Sheffield are now so good at claiming other towns acheivements we're waiting for the Sheffield Doncaster Barnsley Robin Dogs big switch on.

That way they don't upset any "minority" groups either :D

Purdyamos.....do pastafarians celebrate in December to coincide with the pagan and christian festivals.....if so I will get in extra spaghetti and tricolour penne and macaroni....that way I can make garlands of uncooked pasta. :D

The mere thought of spaghetti with Brussel sprouts! :gag:

The big promblem is the reatailers they wont put there hands in there pockets to support the christmas lights.

:mad: No, the trouble is the retailers put their hands in their pockets every week of the year paying exorbitant business rates, for which they get nothing in return, so surely they could expect the council to at least put some Christmas decoration us without paying extra for them.

chesterfield has there's up already switch on 18th november
sheffields get switched on MoorSheffield Christmas Light Switch on
Sunday 18 November
don't know if anybody famous will be switching these lights on

Toby Foster and Venessa Feltz will be doing it jointly.

Toby Foster and Venessa Feltz will be doing it jointly.

Before or after they have turned the lights on :hihi:

Before or after they have turned the lights on :hihi:

the words "is it in yet?" spring to mind - we're talking jack-plug/lighting here :hihi:

I wouldn't surprise me if this year to jump on the band wagon our wonderful city council had no lights at all. The statement would go something like: -

"Sheffield City Council has decided due to much public concern on the matter of global warming that it would be right to play our part by not having any Christmas lights. We feel it is right we set an example to our service users and reduce our carbon footprint. Thus providing us with funds to ensure our services meet the needs of service users during the busy Christmas period".

Wow that sounds like proper council talk, I must work for them or something .................. :suspect::suspect:

They are not like they used to be with proper glass bulbs all lit up brightly! They are all cheap crappy plastic things with dim bulbs and tinsel these days.

does anyone really care when the lights go on?:loopy::huh::suspect:

Sheffield's Xmas lights are crap!

I remember going along to a switch on a couple of years ago. Me and my children were outside the town hall, and there was a countdown, 10, 9, 8 etc. When it got to zero, and everybody cheered and went bonkers, you had to really have a good look around to see what had been switched on, if anything.

It was a good do though. Reindeer and camels on the Moor!

Does anyone know when Meadowhall are switching their lights on?

the lights at meadowhall will probably begin to appear by early next week. up until a few years ago the decorations at med'rall were really good but in the last few years they have become the same as any other shopping centre. maybe this year they might spend more and make the place look a little christmassy.

anyone got any clue who might do the honours at the switch on ceremony?.

Rather than invite some soap star or footballer wouldn't it be nice if some Royal however minor could switch on our festive lights.Viscount Linley would be a popular choice.

Anyone know who will be doing the big switch on?

Apparently its Jade Goody........great choice!

Meadowhalls are god awful this year. They should donate their old ones to sheffield city council

They could have them on all year, half a dozen light bulbs don't use much electricity.

yes m8 ok, no wonder we have global warming issues etc.

Meadowhalls are god awful this year. They should donate their old ones to sheffield city council

they do look a bit crap! although they might look a bit nicer when they are lit up. not sure who they hyave got to do the switch on this year. i just hope it aint that mincing poofter from coronation street.

anyone know who is turning them on this year

anyone know who is turning them on this year

I thought it was postman pat?:huh:

Shayne Ward will be giving this year’s City Lights event the X factor. The pop singer will push that all-important plunger with Strictly Come Dancing stars Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova at 5pm on the main stage in Barkers Pool.

thats what it says on the council website:)

anyone know who is turning them on this year

"A special guest celebrity will officially switch on all the city’s Christmas lights at 5pm at the City Lights switch on party on Sunday 18 November" (http://sccplugins.sheffield.gov.uk/press/news/release.asp?akey=4734)

but then;

http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/city-centre/city-centre-events/city-lights

... confirms cherryice's post above.:)

yeah shane ward for city centre - children in need at meadowhall on friday so think they're switching em on then...prob pudsey bear

chesterfield have ????


spongebob :suspect:

Sheffield xmas lights - beyond pathetic - embarrassing is properly a better description. It really is a shame

personally i think the mums will go to see the lights getting switched on just to see shane ward ha ha

chesterfield have ????


spongebob :suspect:
Must have been the start of the 'find the lit bulb' competition :hihi:

I love the teddy bears but does anyone else think that the rest of the rest of Meadowhalls decorations look like fake b**bs!? :huh:

I love the teddy bears but does anyone else think that the rest of the rest of Meadowhalls decorations look like fake b**bs!? :huh:

Yes! :lol:

Me and my son walk round muttering ' don't stare at the boobies...Don't stare at the boobies....'

The xmas lights in city center have got less over the years they're pretty non-existent these days,they were great when I was a kid in the 70's.They used to stretch from the Castle Market all the way down to the bottom of the Moor looked like rows of colored pearls.
They say they can't afford them :suspect:which is rubbish we know, they can allways find money when they want it for other stuff we pay our taxes we're entitled to better!:mad:

Yes i can remember the christmas lights in town this years display cannot be that bad are they?
I also remember going to redgate's at christmas time :D

Anyone else go to the Switch On? It was pretty well organised again - apart from a nightmare to park - as with all events. I take my hat off to the people of Sheffield - they really do have Christmas in their hearts - braving that awful weather in their droves. It's a shame that the display of lights is disappointing compared to what people who have lived years in Sheffield were once used to. The ones that are up are lovely but Sheffield deserves better.

will have to go and have a look,just a big kid at heart lol