Penarth Town Council is delighted to announce that Owain Wyn Evans will be switching on the town’s Christmas lights for 2023.

Owain found fame as “the drumming presenter” and, after recently moving to Penarth, will be launching the Christmas lights at the Switch On Event on Sunday 19th November.

Owain Wyn Evans is an award-winning television and radio presenter, perhaps best known for his record-breaking drumathon for Children In Need. Owain wakes up the nation with his Early Breakfast Show, Monday-Friday on BBC Radio 2 and has built a loyal fanbase of “Bora Darlings” across the country. He is proud to be the first ever host of a national radio show broadcasting from Cardiff.

The Christmas Lights Switch On event takes place on Windsor Road and Lower Glebe Street from 3pm to 7pm. Alongside Owain, a packed stage of entertainment is planned, hosted by TV’s Laura Jane Jones and headlined with Christmas favourites from James Williams. Local heroes PODS will open the stage alongside the Town Mayor and Father Christmas, followed by Stonehouse and Ceri Rees.

In the town centre, there are plenty of free activities for the family, performances by Kitsch Yn Synch, a festive Circus show from Splatch with a freestanding aerial rig, free festive crafts with Eggseeds and bike-powered wonders from Pedal Emporium. Fairground rides and games complete the Christmas carnival.

Town Mayor, Melissa Rabaiotti said, “I’m delighted that Owain as a proud Penarth resident is joining us this year. I’m so pleased we can bring this free event to the town centre again for families to enjoy. I look forward to the town’s fabulous lights display and to begin the festive celebrations in style.”

Owain reached national and international fame in 2023 when a video of him drumming along to the BBC News theme tune went viral. It was viewed 6 million times online and made its way into several newspapers, from India to Australia. This was the platform for his incredible record-breaking 24-hour drumathon for Children in Need in 2021, which raised an astonishing £3.8m.

Owain has a passion for interior design and home renovation that he’s brought to his new home in Penarth and is the host of Wales Home of the Year on BBC Two.

You can keep up to date on the Lights Switch-on at Facebook and at www.penarthtowncouncil.gov.uk.