Officially kickstarting the Christmas festivities in the city, will be Kev Orkian and Sydnie Christmas.
Award-winning actor and comedian, Kev Orkian, will be leading the fun before he heads back to Mayflower Theatre, alongside Ashley Banjo and Diversity – who will be climbing a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in the spectacular family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.
Known for his off-beat humour and sensational performances on the piano, Kev has been recognised as one of the world’s finest comedy pianists.
Joining him on stage Sydnie Christmas – winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2024 – will provide a special performance of Christmas songs and classics such as My Way, Tomorrow and Over the Rainbow.
The mainstage entertainment will start at 6pm, before the lights are scheduled to be switched on just before 8pm. Friday night will also be the premiere of the market’s light show on the iconic Bargate, run and managed by S&D Leisure as part of the Christmas market.
“I’m so excited to be headlining the Countdown to Christmas Event in Southampton this year!” says Kev Orkain, “Performing at Mayflower Theatre in their pantomime is a real highlight for me, last year was especially amazing working alongside Ashley Banjo and Diversity, and I am so excited to do it again this year.
“It’s going to be epic! I can’t wait to see everyone at the light switch on; it’s going to be a magical night!”
Stephen Manion, Executive Director at GO! Southampton adds: “We’re delighted to be making this announcement, and we know Southampton will give a very warm welcome to Kev and Sydnie.
“Every year, people flock to Southampton for our Christmas celebrations, and as ever, we have a fantastic action-packed three days of entertainment. We’ve moved the main event from Thursday to Friday in the hope that people will be able to stay out for longer and enjoy what’s on offer in the evening across the city.”
From 4pm on Frida,y roaming street theatre including Ghost Caribou, Christmas Mariachi and The Curiosity Christmas Tree will parade the streets, as well as live music from local acts such as Southampton Rock Choir, Sophie Edge and Sound Pop Academy.
From 6pm to 9pm on Friday and Saturday, Carlton Place and Oxford Street will come alive with some festive fun too.
The Countdown to Christmas event is brought to you by GO! Southampton and is proudly sponsored by Brackenwood Windows, and Mayflower Theatre’s pantomime is proudly sponsored by Bargate Homes.
For more information and for the latest updates on events in the city, head to the Visit Southampton Facebook page and www.visitsouthampton.co.uk/christmas.
Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk (Saturday 14 December 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.
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