Wales football boss Chris Coleman to switch on Newport’s Christmas lights

The soccer boss – who led Wales to the semi-finals of the European Championships in 2016 – was today unveiled as the mystery celebrity who will be pressing the button to officially launch Christmas in the city centre.

Organisers revealed today that X Factor finalists Jack and Joel will perform at the event.

Mr Coleman, who won 32 caps for Wales during a playing career that included spells at Swansea City, Crystal Palace, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham, will be the star turn during Saturday’s Countdown to Christmas event.

The Wales boss, who has yet to decide whether to continue in the role after his team failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup finals in Russia, will help the mayor of Newport Cllr David Fouweather press the button to switch on the city centre’s extended Christmas lights.

Countdown to Christmas is organised by the Newport Now Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Newport City Council and Friars Walk.

BID manager Kevin Ward said: “We are delighted to be able to announce that Chris Coleman will be switching on Newport’s Christmas lights this year. Chris has done a fantastic job as Wales manager, guiding the team to the last four of a major championship, and raising the profile of the Welsh team to new levels.

“We are sure there will be many people keen to see Chris on Saturday.”

The final musical performer has also been announced today. X Factor finalists Jack and Joel will perform shortly before headline act Into The Ark on Saturday afternoon.

The quirky duo left the talent show last week, but many in the music industry are predicting a bright future for the pair who have millions of followers on YouTube and Facebook.

Running from noon until 5.30pm, Countdown to Christmas will feature music, fairground rides, celebrity guests and cartoon characters, culminating in the official switching on of Newport’s extended city centre Christmas lights and a breath-taking fireworks display.

Internet-based community radio station Newport City Radio will host the first two hours on stage, sponsored by independent financial advisors Kymin.

From 2pm, Capital FM breakfast show presenter Polly James takes over as the on-stage host for the rest of the event. The Countdown to Christmas stage will be based at the bottom of Charles Street, at the junction with Commercial Street.

After The Voice runners-up Into The Ark have completed their set, Chris Coleman will join Newport Mayor David Fouweather on stage to switch on the city centre’s Christmas lights at 5.15pm. A firework display will start from the roof of the Kingsway car park at 5.30pm.

Saturday’s event will also include fairground rides along Commercial Street, High Street and the riverfront.

Father Christmas will be making an appearance, and there will be performances from a barbershop quartet and walkabouts from children’s cartoon favourites in Friars Walk. Costume characters will also be on parade in Commercial Street and High Street and there will be children’s face painters in attendance.

Friars Walk is offering free parking between 4pm and 7pm Monday to Friday, from November 20 until December 29.

Countdown to Christmas is the latest in a series of city centre events organised or funded by Newport Now BID, a private company representing more than 400 city centre businesses.

The event is being funded by Newport Now BID, Newport City Council and Friars Walk. The South Wales Argus is Newport Now’s media partner for Countdown to Christmas.