THE York Christmas Lights switch-on event has been cancelled this year.

The Lights themselves will still be lit and appear across the city centre.

However, a decision to cancel the switch-on event was taken in partnership by Make It York and York BID due to the risk of overcrowding in the city centre.

Make It York has taken other measures to reduce overcrowding over the festive season, by installing security barriers to control pedestrian activity across the city centre ahead of the St Nicholas Fair.

The switch-on event is usually held in St Helen's Square, which now has "hostile vehicle mitigation barriers" in place to counter any terrorism threat.

A spokesperson for Make It York said: "After much consideration the decision has been taken in partnership with York BID not to hold a physical light switch on event this year.

"The event (Christmas Lights switch-on) is always hugely popular, drawing in large crowds over a short period of time 

"The lights will of course be as spectacular as ever across the city centre - with the medieval bars once again lit up, the Tree of Light at the Eye of York and Christmas trees on St Helen's Square, Parliament Street and Shambles Market.

"We hope to be able to bring this much-loved event back for 2022 better than ever."

However, a 'secret lights switch-on' did take place at York's Coppergate Centre on Wednesday, November 10.

The lights were turned on by pantomime dame legend, Berwick Kaler, and his co-star Martin Barrass, who are both set to star in the panto Dick Turpin Rides Again at the Grand Opera House this year.

Coppergate Centre manager, Pippa Unwin, told The Press that it was kept a 'secret event' to avoid the risk of crowds. 

Previous Christmas Light events in York have often attracted huge crowds, with the lights being switched on by local stars.

Make It York added that to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors, the lights will be showcased via its online channels.