- FREE Festive afternoon of family-friendly entertainment with live music, community performances, walkabout acts, and festive fairground.
- Christmas market, Santa’s Grotto and NUE projection on Tamworth Castle.
- Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm
Tamworth Borough Council is delighted to announce the return of the much-anticipated Tamworth Christmas lights switch-on, taking place on Saturday 29 November from 12noon to 6pm in Tamworth Castle Grounds and Holloway.
This festive celebration offers an afternoon of free entertainment, family fun, seasonal magic and community spirit.
The Castle Grounds and town centre will be transformed into a festive hub, featuring a Christmas market, family attractions, live performances, walkabout entertainment, and the main Christmas lights switch-on event, which will take place at 5pm on Castle Car Park. The switch-on will be accompanied by live music, a festive countdown, snow machines and a pyrotechnic display.
Throughout the day a Christmas market will stretch from Market Street through Town Hall Place and Castle Gateway, featuring local traders, food vendors, and community stalls offering a range of festive goods and seasonal treats. Along Holloway, Barkers Fun Fair are back with traditional family-friendly attractions and rides, creating a lively and nostalgic festive atmosphere. Ankerside will also host their own indoor market.
Children will be able to visit Santa’s Grotto on the Castle Grounds lower lawn, where they can meet Santa and his elves in a magical Christmas setting. (Small fee will apply).
During the day a community stage will host performances from local schools, dance academies, choirs and community organisations, showcasing local talent and promoting a strong sense of community pride.
Walkabout entertainers including glow-in-the-dark hula hoopers, stilt walkers and festive characters, will roam the event area, creating interactive experiences and photo opportunities for families and visitors of all ages.
Tamworth Castle will also be illuminated with a projection in partnership with New Urban Era (NUE). This spectacular digital art display features animations created by South Staffordshire College, local schools, and community arts groups.
Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, engagement, leisure and heritage, said: “Last year we sadly had to cancel this event due to bad storms, so we’re ready to return this year with something bigger in the town and Castle Grounds.
“As this will take place on a Saturday, we’re really hoping to attract residents and visitors to the town, for an enjoyable fun-packed day including shopping at our local businesses and Saturday market stalls.
“Christmas in Tamworth is special because of the amazing local community we have. This year’s event not only celebrates the festive season, but also showcases the incredible talent, creativity and spirit of our local people and organisations.
“From the Christmas market and live performances to the spectacular projection on the castle, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support our local businesses and make lasting memories with family and friends.
“We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to experience the joy and warmth of Christmas in Tamworth.”
The Tamworth Christmas lights switch-on 2025 is free to attend and open to all. With an exciting programme of festive activities, live entertainment, and community involvement, it promises to be a magical day for residents and visitors alike.
For further information and event updates, please visit: https://www.visittamworth.co.uk/