Crowd watching a group of people on stage as they switch on the Christmas lights.

Farnham shines bright at Christmas lights switch-on

Published: Monday November 17, 2025

Christmas came early for a local young person, whose dream of switching on Farnham’s Christmas lights was granted on Saturday (15 November).

Jo Leech took centre stage at the switch-on event alongside the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor George Murray; Tony Laithwaite, founder of Laithwaites – the Principal sponsor of Christmas in Farnham; Dulcie Ezuruike from Shaw Gibbs, Gold sponsor of the Christmas lights switch-on, Greg Stafford MP and cast members from the Farnham Maltings’ Christmas production.

On an energetic countdown from ten which was enthusiastically echoed by the crowd of thousands, the special guests together flipped the switch, illuminating Farnham with a stunning new display that features warm white lights with a cool blue twinkle, and a striking illuminated Farnham sign on the Coxbridge roundabout.

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor George Murray said: “In the lead up to the switch-on, over 500 children from local schools and theatre groups were watched by proud parents, family members and friends as they sang, danced and performed. Seeing the community come together like this is what Christmas in Farnham is all about.

“The excitement on Jo’s face as he helped switch on the lights captured the spirit of the day perfectly and is something I will remember.”

Behind the scenes, mass disappointment was averted thanks to the quick actions of Farnham Town Council’s Events Manager. Less than an hour before Fearlessly Taylor, the Taylor Swift tribute was due on stage, Events Manager Ollie Cluskey received a call to say she had broken down. He jumped into his car and drove to Cobham to collect her and, much to the delight of the crowd, got her back to Farnham just in time for her closing performance.

The Christmas lights switch-on marks the start of Christmas in Farnham. Details of more than 90 festive events including the Farnham Christmas Market on 14 December can be found on Farnham Town Council’s website at www.farnham.gov.uk.