Huge Crowds Celebrate a Magical Christmas Lights Switch-On at Fox Valley
19 November 2025
Fox Valley’s rescheduled Christmas Lights Switch-On drew the crowds on Sunday 16 November, as visitors flocked to the north Sheffield shopping centre for an afternoon packed with festive entertainment, food, and community celebration.
Originally scheduled for Friday 14 November, the event was postponed due to severe weather caused by Storm Claudia. But the clear and mild weather on Sunday encouraged the community to come together for what proved to be one of the most successful switch-on events in recent years - proudly sponsored by Bloor Homes.
The festive market, running from 2pm–6pm, featured more than 30 talented traders offering handmade gifts, crafts and food-to-go. Crowds enjoyed treats from L’Taurusweet, The Taco Trailer, Greedy Greek Deli, Istabul’s Kitchen, Nelly’s Fudge, Bradfield Brewery, Fancy Filly Bar, Mangiamo Street Kitchen and King Floss, alongside gifting favourites Rose Designs, Gifts of Love and Merry & Bright.
Live entertainment began on the performance area with brilliant shows from Dance Dynamique and Branching Out Dancing, followed by an uplifting live music set from Graham Lindley, all building the excitement for the big moment.
At 4:30pm, the crowd gathered for the highlight of the afternoon: the official lights switch-on. The Bloor Community Champion, Leah Walton, took to the performance area alongside special guest Jane Jubb from Bloor Homes at Wharncliffe Park in Deepcar to lead the countdown and illuminate Fox Valley’s stunning festive display.
At just 13, Leah has already raised over £60,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity and Solving Kids Cancer, a truly remarkable achievement and a worthy winner of the search for a Bloor Community Champion.
The switch-on revealed the centre’s spectacular decorations, including the towering 8-metre illuminated reindeer, traditional Christmas tree and twinkling lights throughout the centre. The magical moment was followed by an unforgettable high-energy performance from the internationally renowned Spark! drummers, who lit up the evening with their illuminated show.
Claire Biltcliffe, Centre Manager at Fox Valley, said: “After Storm Claudia forced us to postpone on Friday, we were absolutely thrilled to welcome such a fantastic turnout on Sunday. The atmosphere was incredible - our visitors truly brought the festive spirit with them. From our wonderful entertainers to the dazzling Spark! drummers and our inspiring Community Champion Leah Walton, it was a truly special event. We’re hugely grateful to Bloor Homes for their continued support in helping us create such memorable moments for our community.”
Jane Jubb, representing Bloor Homes at Wharncliffe Park in Deepcar, added: “It was an honour to support this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On and to join Leah in leading such a joyful countdown. Seeing so many people come together after the rescheduled date really shows the strength and spirit of this community. We’re proud to be part of it as we continue developing Wharncliffe Park.”
With festive stalls, children’s rides, face painting, live entertainment and late-night shopping, the event marked the perfect start to the Christmas season at Fox Valley.
Visitors are encouraged to check the Fox Valley website for upcoming festive events throughout December.
Photograph shows: Jane Jubb from Bloor Homes with the Bloor Community Champion Leah Walton and host for the event Chris Fox.
For updates and details of all events at Fox Valley visit www.foxvalleysheffield.co.uk
For further information, contact:
Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: admin@dransfield.co.uk
