Manx Telecom will sponsor this year’s switching on of the Christmas lights in Douglas.

Organised by Douglas Borough Council the event, which traditionally signals the ‘official’ start of Christmas, will take place on Thursday November 22nd.

It will be compered by a team from the council’s media partner 3FM - Douglas Town Band will open the event at 6.15pm with seasonal music.

Santa’s grotto will be in the gardens adjoining the town hall but, in a change to previous years, the stage will be in John Street.

Live acts, including local actor and musician Jack Divers, will be performing and all the live on-stage entertainment will be streamed onto screens in Ridgeway Street and outside HSBC House.

Mayor of Douglas Jon Joughin will then join the proceedings accompanied by Deacon Graham Priest who will offer prayers.

At 7pm the lights will be switched on, ‘snow’ will fall, and Thursday late-night shopping begins.

Entry to the event, which is free, will be via Prospect Hill and Victoria Street, with a disabled viewing area provided directly in front of the stage.

Regeneration and Community Committee Chairman Stephen Pitts says: “We are pleased to welcome Manx Telecom as sponsors for the Christmas lights ceremony. 

“To be partnering with such a respected supporter of community initiatives as Manx Telecom is testimony to the council’s commitment to deliver high quality community events and, together, we look forward to delivering a truly great evening’s entertainment.”

Callum Shepherd, Head of Retail at Manx Telecom, says: “Douglas Borough Council is well known for staging exceptionally well organised crowd-pleasing events in the town.

“The Christmas lights ceremony is a perfect example of this and complements Manx Telecom’s commitment to put the community very much at the heart of all that we do.

“We’re therefore pleased to be sponsoring what we are confident will be a spectacular start to Christmas in the capital.”