Kettering Christmas switch-on hero named as 'shining light of hope' given honour
Kettering's Christmas switch-on hero, described as a 'shining light of hope,' has been revealed for the event on Thursday, November 26.
Lilith Murdoch was nominated for the honour in the Hunt for a Hero appeal and chosen by the mayor of Kettering, Cllr Lauren Glanfield, after the three-year old received multiple nominations.
Little Lilith was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma and is now under palliative care.
She will join the mayor of Kettering and the cast of Peter Pan from the Lighthouse Theatre on stage.
Lilith’s mum, Ivy-Rose, said: “We are so incredibly proud of Lilith and constantly in awe of her strength and bravery. She has endured so much over the past two years, and even now, at the end of her life, she is still smiling, laughing and running around.
“Lilith has been an inspiration to everyone she meets. She is a shining light of hope in a world that can sometimes feel so full of darkness.
"Along with every other child on that ward, they are all truly amazing little warriors. Some people go their whole lives without meeting their hero. I gave birth to mine.”
Cllr Glanfield said: “Lilith’s family are on a mission to make memories, and, as I believe that Christmas belongs to the children, I have chosen this amazingly brave little girl to bring in the festive cheer to our town.”
Along with Youth Works’ lantern parade and the cast of Peter Pan, there will be a special Jinglebell Jukebox Massaoke so stick around for a singalong with them as lyrics appear on the big screen straight after the Christmas lights switch-on at 6.30pm.
The Kettering Christmas lights switch-on event is centred in Kettering Market Place and surrounding streets, with road closures from midday on the day to prepare for the event.
Entertainment planned for the main stage will feature live music from band, No Angels, and DJing from event host, Bill Burton. Choirs from St Peter’s School and ISM Music Academy and the KD Academy musical theatre performers will all create a festive feel.
A 30ft Christmas tree from Welford Christmas Tree Farm will take centre stage with a new-for-2026 display of Christmas lights.
Find out more about all the town council’s events this festive season at www.ketteringtowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas