This past Saturday, 29 November, the streets of Lowestoft came alive as the town kicked off the festive season with the annual Christmas Light Switch-On! The atmosphere was buzzing from 2 pm until 6 pm as locals of all ages gathered around the main stage on London Road North (just outside Starbucks) to join in the celebrations.
And guess who was there to help spread the cheer? None other than Woody Bear from Pleasurewood Hills — bringing a smile, some seasonal magic, and a whole lot of family-fun spirit to the occasion.
Fun for Everyone — Music, Trampolines, Mascots and More
The afternoon kicked off with a lineup of live entertainment: local choirs, performing-arts groups and even some panto frolics from actors associated with the town’s famous theatre scene. The energy was infectious, the songs festive, and the crowd was clearly loving it.
Alongside the stage shows, the event also featured a giant trampoline, fun games, and a chance to meet a whole cast of mascots — including Woody Bear, plus friends like Oona the Owl (from the local library), Reggie the Lion, Marina Monkey and others representing community organisations.
For families, it was the perfect chance to soak up festive vibes — from jumping on the trampoline to cheering at the live music, waving at mascots, and maybe even spotting Santa himself before the big lights-on moment.
Santa, the Mayor — and the Big Moment: Lights On!
As the afternoon rolled on, excitement built. At 5:00 pm, the time came for the big moment. Father Christmas — joined by the town’s Mayor — hit the switch and bathed Lowestoft’s high street in a warm festive glow. Instantly, holiday spirit took over. Families cheered. Cameras clicked. Children gasped. Adults grinned. It was pure magic.
After the lights came on, live music resumed with a performance from a local band (the aptly-named “Uptown Nights”), sealing the evening with festive cheer.
Community Comes Together — Local Businesses, Organisations & More
What made the switch-on extra special was how many parts of the Lowestoft community came together to stage it. Local organisations and businesses took part — including Marina Theatre, Waterlane Leisure Centre, East Anglia Transport Museum, St Elizabeth Hospice, Essex and Suffolk Water, Access Community Trust and more.
Between interactive displays from the museum, charity representation, and fun from leisure-centre teams, the event showcased Lowestoft at its community-spirited best.
It wasn’t just a lights switch-on — it was a celebration of togetherness, shared local pride and festive joy.
Woody Bear — Leading the Fun & Family Friendly Spirit
Of course, Woody Bear stole the show for many of the younger visitors. With his big friendly smile, high-fives and festive energy, he added a touch of theme-park magic to the town streets.
Parents told us how excited their children were to meet him, and many stopped for photos — a lovely touch that turned a simple light-switch event into a memory worth keeping. For families used to visiting Pleasurewood Hills, seeing a familiar friendly face out in the community brought warmth and excitement.
It’s just another example of how Pleasurewood Hills goes beyond the park: supporting local communities, sharing joy, and being part of seasonal celebrations.
Why Events Like This Matter
Events like the Lowestoft Christmas Light Switch-On are more than just a bit of festive fun. They:
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Bring together diverse parts of the community — local businesses, charities, leisure centres, theatres, museums — under one roof (well, one high street!)
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Give families a chance to connect, laugh, play and make memories, especially with familiar faces like Woody Bear turning up
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Help boost local footfall and shine a spotlight on the town centre just as the holiday period begins — a perfect time to mix fun, shopping and seasonal cheer
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Foster a sense of pride in the place people live, reminding locals (and visitors) what makes Lowestoft special
For Pleasurewood Hills, being part of the event strengthens our ties with the wider community and shows we’re more than just a theme park — we’re a friendly neighbour ready to bring fun wherever we can.
Looking Ahead: A Festive Season Just Getting Started
With the Light Switch-On now done and dusted, the countdown to Christmas is officially underway. Families who met Woody Bear on Saturday might already be thinking about taking the fun further — maybe visiting Pleasurewood Hills for more seasonal adventures, or keeping an eye on local events across Lowestoft.
We also hope to see more community ties like this: bringing the magic of a theme park into real-life moments that matter. Because when a strapline says “family fun,” it doesn’t just apply to rides — it applies to memories, togetherness, and moments that bring people closer.
To find out more about Lowestoft Vision with news and events in the community, visit their website at discoverlowestoft.co.uk.
