Cabot Circus Christmas light switch-on 2021: Why no official event is taking place this year

The Christmas light switch-on at Cabot Circus has always been one of the festive highlights of the year.

Usually an action-packed show with a celebrity often in tow, the event draws a crowd of thousands of people ready to get into the Christmas spirit.

In 2019, former The Only Way Is Essex star and footballer Mark Wright made a star appearance, and two years before that boy band The Vamps turned on the light switch.

But after a non-event last year, the shopping centre has confirmed a ‘dedicated event’ will again not take place this year, due to safety reasons.

That’s not to say there will not be Christmas lights and activities going on though.

A spokesperson for Cabot Circus said: “We’ll be doing things a little differently this year to ensure that our customers feel safe when visiting.

“Our Christmas lights won’t have a dedicated event but will still shine bright around the centre.

“This year we’re excited to be hosting a number of outdoor activities which customers can enjoy at their leisure, including a magical Winter Maze, festive street entertainers and daily snowfall displays to help guests get into the festive spirit.”