Four exciting rising artists will take centre stage at the Pavilion Gardens Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 21st November, as Buxton gets ready for a full day of festive celebrations!

Hosted by High Peak 1, the area’s local community radio station, the live music line-up brings together four very different emerging talents, including artists who have reached the finals of some of the UK’s biggest TV talent shows in 2026.

From jazz and acoustic music to alt-pop, piano-led performances and soulful house, Gemma Rae, Frank Raven, Harri Sun and Charlie Aky will all perform live from the Pavilion Gardens bandstand in the build-up to the official switch-on at 7pm.

High Peak 1 will be broadcasting the festive atmosphere throughout the afternoon, with Christmas favourites, live performances and plenty of entertainment along the way. Visitors can also browse the indoor and outdoor Christmas markets at Pavilion Gardens, with stalls running along the Promenade and inside the Octagon, offering festive gifts, seasonal treats and plenty of Christmas atmosphere throughout the day.

Live music line-up

4pm: Gemma Rae

First on stage at 4pm is Leek-based singer Gemma Rae, an up-and-coming jazz and acoustic artist whose repertoire ranges from modern hits to much-loved classics.

Gemma specialises in acoustic and piano covers, with a style spanning jazz, swing, soul, country, soft rock, pop and ballads. Music has been a passion since she was a young girl, and she is looking forward to helping kick off Buxton’s festive celebrations.

"Being asked to perform at the Buxton Christmas Lights Switch-On is such an honor. There is something absolutely magical about the atmosphere in the High Peak during the festive season, and I can't wait to look out at the crowd in the Pavilion Gardens and help kick off the countdown. It’s going to be an unforgettable night!"

4.30pm: Frank Raven

At just 18 years old, Frank Raven has already made his mark after reaching the final of ITV’s The Voice in 2026 and impressing the judges with his distinctive sound.

Describing himself as an alt-pop artist, Frank takes inspiration from artists including Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, Melanie Martinez and early Lady Gaga, combining smoother, romantic elements with a powerful and theatrical edge.

Frank describes his creative style:

“Visually, I’m drawn to sleek darkness, 80s and 90s alternative aesthetics, classic horror, and subversive runway fashion. My sound blends dark, cinematic textures with pop sensibility, emotionally charged and unapologetically real”.

“The world I’m creating is mysterious, rebellious, and immersive, where everything from the music to the visuals tells a story about identity and the power of self-expression”, said Frank.

5.05pm: Harri Sun

Another familiar face from television follows at 5.05pm, when 21-year-old Harri Kelli, who performs as Harri Sun, takes to the stage.

The Bury musician reached the final of Channel 4’s The Piano earlier this year after impressing the judges with his audition.

Harri grew up listening to Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse before his dad gave him his record collection at the age of 12, sparking a love of jazz that has continued to shape his music.

While studying British, Irish and modern music at college, Harri founded his band Where’s Harri? — and the band will be joining him for his performance in Buxton.

6.15pm: Charlie Aky

Completing the four-artist line-up is rising UK artist Charlie Aky, who will perform at 6.15pm following growing momentum across radio, social media and live performances.

Charlie will bring his brand-new single, So Sweet, to the Pavilion Gardens stage.

“The single blends modern pop with a soulful house production. Warm basslines, expressive horn arrangements, rich backing vocals and gospel-inspired choir textures combine to for a feel-good sound”, said Charlie.

Christmas Markets, Brass Band and Festive Entertainment

The live music forms part of a much bigger day of Christmas celebrations at Pavilion Gardens.

The indoor and outdoor Christmas markets will be open from 10am until 7pm, with a wide selection of stalls offering Christmas gifts and seasonal treats throughout the day.

New Mills Brass Band will also bring some traditional festive music to the Pavilion Gardens.

High Peak 1 will be entertaining visitors from the bandstand throughout the day with Christmas party favourites ahead of the live music and final countdown.

Christmas Lights Switch-On at 7pm

The celebrations culminate at 7pm, when High Peak Mayor Councillor Barbara Hastings-Asatourian officially switches on the Pavilion Gardens Christmas lights.

She will be joined on stage by Father Christmas, presenters from St Peter's Junior School Radio and all of the day’s performers for the big festive moment!

The Pavilion Gardens Christmas Lights Switch-On promises to be a brilliant community celebration for everyone and a great way to begin the countdown to Christmas in Buxton. See you there…