Star of Southampton’s panto and a renowned singing sensation announced as leading the city’s Countdown to Christmas event

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22 October 2024

Southampton’s Countdown to Christmas weekender is just around the corner and GO! Southampton is proud to announce two special guests to headline the main stage on Friday 15 November.

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 & 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.

 

Sydnie Christmas, the incredible winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2024, will be headlining the mainstage with a special performance of Christmas songs and classics such as My Way, Tomorrow and Over the Rainbow. Sydnie recently played to a massive 84,000 people at the free Blackpool Illuminations launch show, and her triumph on Britain’s Got Talent made her the first female singer to win the show, with her Golden Buzzer audition, being viewed by over 40 million people across social media.

The mainstage entertainment will start at 6pm before the lights get turned on just before 8pm. Friday night will also be the premier showing of the market’s light show on the iconic Bargate, run and managed by S&D Leisure as part of the Christmas market.

Stephen Manion, Executive Director at GO! Southampton said: “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 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 Friday 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 6 – 9pm on Friday and Saturday Carlton Place and Oxford Street will come alive with some festive fun too.

The fun doesn’t stop on Friday night. Entertainment, live music and activities will take place across the city centre on Saturday and Sunday – from Oxford Street to Guildhall Square with plenty to do for families and children. And the best part, it’s all free.

The Countdown to Christmas event is brought to you by GO! Southampton and is proudly sponsored by Brackenwood Windows.

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

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