CALL THE MIDWIFE and SHREK THE MUSICAL's Laura Main To Switch On Edinburgh's Christmas Lights

Sunday 19 November is Light Night in Scotland's capital! Hosted by Forth One DJ Arlene Stuart, who'll be joined on stage by Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, and showcasing a variety of amateur choirs and dance groups on two stages in front of an expected audience of 20,000, Light Night is a celebration of community spirit and the traditional start to Edinburgh's Christmas celebrations - one of the biggest and most popular Christmas celebrations in UK.

This year's Light Night will see Aberdeen-born actress Laura Main, star of BBC's Call the Midwife, switching on the lights across the city! Laura will also be performing on the Light Night stage alongside her Shrek co-star Steffan Harri, to celebrate the opening of the tour of her show Shrek the Musical at the Edinburgh Playhouse on 12 December.

Laura Main said: What an honour it is to be turning on Edinburgh's iconic Christmas Lights. I am thrilled to be spending the festive season back in Scotland along with another resident, Shrek! We'll be giving you a sneak peak of our show Shrek the Musical, ahead of its run at the Edinburgh Playhouse in December, where I'll be donning the green dress as Princess Fiona. Light Night is a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season and I can't wait to see you all there."

Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, Directors, Edinburgh's Christmas, said: "Light Night heralds the start of Christmas in Edinburgh, it's a wonderful family event that always gets everyone, including us, into the Christmas spirit with local music and dance groups, fireworks and, of course, the city centre Christmas lights being switched on. We're delighted Laura will be pushing the button this year, as well as entertaining the crowds with songs from Shrek the Musical."

The Lord Provost, Frank Ross, said: "On stage and on screen, and even on the Strictly dance floor, Laura Main is one of Scotland's most admired actresses. I am delighted she will return to Edinburgh where she has performed during the Fringe to help us start our winter celebrations. Light Night is the perfect way to bring everyone in the city together to get into the community spirit of Christmas and this year's switch on will show charity support for the incredible NSPCC. Please give generously if you can."

Light Night will also see performances from Little Voices Big Stars, Edinburgh Rock Choir, Edinburgh Ballet and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Junior Chorus.

The Christmas Tree on the Mound, a gift to the City of Edinburgh Council from Hordaland County Council in Norway, will be lit as part of the Light Night switch-on.

Light Night is partnering with the NSPCC this year, so please look out for NSPCC collectors on the streets at Light Night and donate kindly! National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is a leading children's charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

Paul Cockram, Head of Fundraising, NSPCC Scotland said: "We are delighted to be partnered with Edinburgh's world famous Christmas celebrations as we try to make sure more children and young people have a safe and happy Christmas this year".

Light Night is an excellent trip for all the family to enjoy! To make it a day out, visit Edinburgh's Christmas brand new offering, Ice Adventure, also located on George Street: an arctic installation and immersive walk-through experience filled with spectacular ice and snow sculptures, including those of Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Dolly the Sheep!

Stroll down to St Andrew Square and get your skates on to glide all the way round the Melville Monument on a circular ice rink!

To browse Edinburgh's Christmas programme in full, head to www.edinburghschristmas.com.

Light Night is free and unticketed, just head along to George Street to enjoy the performances, atmosphere, lights and fireworks.

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