Plymouth's hero revealed as she's set for Barbican Christmas lights switch-on

The winner of this year's Plymouth Community Hero accolade has been named - and she is set to join the Barbican Christmas lights switch-on tonight, Saturday (November 16).

Plymouth Waterfront Partnership (PWP) has announced that this year’s Community Hero is Jo Connett. Jo, who was nominated by her granddaughter Jessica, manages the local soup run for St. Paul’s Church, in Efford, which serves over 100 vulnerable people in the community and those experiencing homelessness.

Each Christmas, Jo puts together hampers - including a full Christmas lunch - for local families who need a helping hand. Jo has also run her local Brownies group for more than 50 years and welcomed hundreds of children to take their Brownie Promise.

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Jo said: “I’m delighted and very humbled to have been chosen as this year’s Community Hero. I love what I do, but this recognition also goes to the great team of around 30 people that all work together to support our community.”

Jon Walton and Kim Downer, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership said: "We are always humbled when we read the many nominations for the annual Community Hero Awards – there are a lot of good people doing a lot of good things in our city for their local communities.

"Jo’s nomination stood out for the work she’s doing with the most vulnerable people in our city and ensuring they have a hot meal and shelter when they need it most.

"We’re really looking forward to welcoming Jo on stage on Saturday and being our guest of honour to switch on the Barbican Christmas Lights.”

Jo will be joined on stage by Muddles (aka Andy Ford) who’s starring in pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, at Theatre Royal Plymouth from December onwards, and, of course, Santa for this year’s Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On.

From midday on Saturday (November 16), the Barbican will be buzzing with excitement as a variety of stage performances, interactive activities, and family-friendly entertainment unfold ahead of the Lights Switch On

Events include festive storytelling, walkabout acts, and the Gables Dogs Show., as well as market stalls, offering unique gifts and delicious seasonal treats.

Santa will arrive courtesy of support from his friends at the RNLI, disembarking at the Barbican Landing Stage at approximately 5pm. The Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On is in association with Macpherson Motorcycles, with the stage sponsored by Cattewater Harbour Commissioners.