We are delighted to be once again inviting the public to nominate two inspirational local people to officially switch on the city’s Christmas lights on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Our local heroes initiative celebrates people who make a real difference to the local community – whether through volunteering, supporting others, going above and beyond in their work or simply being someone whose kindness and contribution deserves recognition.
There will be two nomination categories for those aged under 18 and 18 or above, with one winner selected from each.
The two local heroes will take to the stage near the Market Cross and officially switch on the city’s Christmas lights at 5pm, marking the start of Christmas in Chichester 2026.
Festivities will get underway in the city centre during the afternoon, building towards the official switch-on, before celebrations continue across Chichester with the Light Up Chichester After Party.
Natasha McLeod, CEO of Chichester BID, said:
“The Christmas Lights Switch On is always such a brilliant moment for the city and we love that our local heroes are the ones who get to do the honours. It gives us an opportunity to celebrate some of the people who make a real difference to Chichester, while bringing everyone together to mark the start of Christmas in the city.
“The celebrations will continue after the switch on too, with our Light Up Chichester After Party giving everyone even more reason to make an evening of it – meeting up with friends and family and enjoying the city’s cafés, bars, pubs and restaurants.
“That really sets the tone for Christmas in Chichester this year. We want the city to be somewhere people come together, whether that’s for shopping, drinks, dinner, Christmas parties, a little festive pampering, taking part in our Festive Family Day, heading off on an adventure with our Christmas trail, or simply enjoying the lights, Christmas tree and atmosphere.”
This year’s Christmas Lights Switch On is being delivered in partnership with Chichester City Council, with the Mayor of Chichester, Councillor Sean McHale, joining the judging panel to help select this year’s two local heroes.
Councillor Sean McHale, Mayor of Chichester, said:
“Chichester is fortunate to have so many people who give their time, energy and support to others, often without expecting any recognition in return. I’m delighted to be involved in selecting this year’s local heroes and look forward to hearing more about the people who make such a positive contribution to our city.”
Chichester BID’s Christmas local heroes initiative is also once again supported by leading Sussex law firm and solicitors Mayo Wynne Baxter.
Nicola Brown, Partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter said:
“This fantastic initiative is all about recognising the unsung people within our community who make a difference to others, often without seeking recognition themselves. We’re delighted to support the search again and look forward to hearing the stories behind this year’s nominations.”
Nominations close at midnight on Friday 30 October 2026. Those nominated must be available between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on Saturday 21 November to take part in the Christmas Lights Switch On in Chichester city centre.
The two local heroes will be selected by a judging panel which includes Natasha McLeod, CEO of Chichester BID; Mayor of Chichester, Councillor Sean McHale; Nicola Brown of Mayo Wynne Baxter; and Mark Waldron, Editor in Chief of Sussex World. Winners will be notified at least two weeks before the event.
To nominate a Local Hero, visit ChichesterBID.co.uk/lightupchichester. Separate nomination forms should be completed for the under-18 and 18-and-over categories.
The Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on Saturday 21 November 2026 at 5pm at the Market Cross, followed by the Light Up Chichester After Party at participating venues across the city centre.