Local further education provider Havant Sixth Form College is helping to light up Christmas in Portsmouth after confirming its title sponsorship of Portsmouth City Council’s Christmas Lights Switch On events from 18 to 20 November.

Portsmouth City Council has thanked title sponsor HSDC Havant Sixth Form, alongside  Nation Radio, Biscoes Solicitors, HW Conveyancing Searches, Foster Portsmouth and Endometriosis South Coast for supporting the city’s festive celebrations.

Their support will help deliver three free Christmas lights switch-on events in Cosham, Southsea and the city centre, giving thousands of residents and visitors the chance to celebrate the start of the festive season. The Christmas Lights Switch Ons will run across three evenings of festive fun featuring panto stars, local performers, Christmas shopping and special guests including Father Christmas.

Pete Budd from Havant Sixth Form College part of the HSDC group said: “We’re proud to be the title sponsor of Portsmouth’s Christmas Lights Switch On Parties and to play a part in bringing these celebrations to local communities.

“Many of our students live in Portsmouth, so it’s important to us that we support events that bring people together and create positive memories for families.

“These events are a fantastic way to celebrate everything that’s special about the city while encouraging people to support local businesses. We’re delighted to be involved.”

Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibilities for economic development said: “We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their support. Without their generosity, these free events simply wouldn’t be possible.

“Their backing helps us bring communities together and create special moments for thousands of people across Portsmouth at the start of the festive season.

“We’re encouraging everyone to light up their Christmas in Portsmouth. Our high streets, markets, independent shops, cafés and restaurants have so much to offer and are a great place to find something special this Christmas.”

The festive programme begins with Cosham Carols and Christmas Lights Switch On in Cosham High Street on Wednesday 18 November, from 5pm to 7pm, featuring community choirs and Father Christmas.

The celebrations continue in Palmerston Road on Thursday 19 November from 5pm to 7pm, with performances from the Kings Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk stars Shaun Williamson (Barry from Eastenders) and Jack Edwards alongside local performers, Father Christmas and the Love Southsea Christmas Market.

The final event takes place in Commercial Road on Friday 20 November from 5pm to 7pm, featuring entertainment from the Theatre Royal’s Mother Goose led by Cherry Liquor from Britain’s Got Talent, Father Christmas and Portsmouth Christmas Market. This event will coincide with the We Shine Community light and art festival in Victoria Park.

For the full programme visit rediscoverportsmouth.co.uk/Christmas