Who you want to turn on the Norwich Christmas lights in 2023

The switch-on will take place outside City Hall on Thursday, November 16 at 7pm, with the special guest yet to be announced. 

There will be free entertainment from 5.30pm until 7.15pm, which will include a visit from Father Christmas. 

READ MORE: Norwich Christmas Lights Switch On 2023 plans revealed

While there is no Tunnel of Light this year, due to the works on Hay Hill, there will be festive decor in more areas. 

Norwich City Council works with Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) each year to light up the city.

These were your most popular suggestions of who should turn on the lights in 2023: 

Stewards at a previous Norwich Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Denise Bradley)

1. A local volunteer or schoolchild 

There were a few suggestions to ditch having a celebrity turn the Christmas lights on and instead ask a local volunteer or Norwich schoolchild. 

Becky Rudling commented on our Facebook post: "One of the hundreds of overlooked volunteers that dedicate their lives to helping the people of Norwich. They are the ones that make Norwich a fine city."

Charlene Taggart said: "Why not get the local schools to do a competition for a child to do the switch-on that would be lovely and the memories for that child would last a lifetime." 

READ MORE: 5 of the best places to see fireworks in and around Norwich

Orlando's boss Orlando Williams Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

2. Orlando Williams

Local cult hero Orlando Williams, who may or may not run a restaurant in Earlham Road, was by far the most popular choice for switching on the lights.

He has even inspired a tabletop game, called 'Orlando: Rebel Without a Restaurant', which is the latest city craze. 

Would you like Delia Smith to turn on the lights? Picture Denise Bradley (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

3. Delia Smith

Celebrity chef Delia Smith, who is the joint majority shareholder of Norwich City FC with her husband Michael Wynn-Jones, was one of the suggestions.

We imagine that she would shout out 'let's be havin' you' before pressing the switch and illuminating the city. 

Actor Martin Shaw Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant)

4. Martin Shaw

Actor Martin Shaw, who lives in Norfolk, is best known for his roles in Judge John Deed, The Professionals, The Chief and Inspector George Gently.

He is also the patron of Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Frettenham.

READ MORE: 7 major Norfolk events to look forward to in November 2023

Ed Sheeran with Danny Boyle at the premiere for Yesterday in Gorleston Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

5. Ed Sheeran

Some of our social media followers suggested chart-topping singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran as the 2023 celebrity guest.

However, Suffolk-born Sheeran, who is also a huge Ipswich Town FC fan, would be much more likely to switch the lights on across the county border. 

READ MORE: West End hit Only Fools and Horses the Musical is coming to Norwich

6. Alan Partridge

Actor Steve Coogan's most famous character has a long association with Norwich.

While it looks unlikely he will turn the Christmas lights on, Partridge is at Waterstones in the city on November 11 for a book signing. 

The Puppet Man David Perry Picture: Bill Smith (Image: Archant © 2010)

7. The Puppet Man

Eccentric street entertainer The Puppet Man, aka David Perry, can often be seen performing outside Primark in Gentleman's Walk.

Over the years, he has become one of Norwich's most recognisable characters.