Be There When the Lights Return to Granby Street April 1

Be There When the Lights Return to Granby Street April 1

Mayor Paul Fraim will flip the switch at 8 p.m. during Downtown Norfolk Council’s First Fridays on April 1 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the TCC Plaza in the 300 block of Granby Street.

The City of Norfolk and Downtown Norfolk Council invite everyone to celebrate the official illumination of Lights Over Granby, the return of arched lighting to Granby Street. Mayor Paul Fraim will flip the switch at 8 p.m. during Downtown Norfolk Council’s First Fridays on April 1 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the TCC Plaza in the 300 block of Granby Street.

Lights Over Granby is a nod to Downtown’s history when arched lights were on display from 1909 to 1925. In this initial phase, 10 arches between 300 to 500 feet apart will run from City Hall Avenue to Brambleton Avenue. The lights are composed of 42-foot stainless steel cable connected to 24-foot light poles on either side of Granby Street. The bulbs, 40 on each cable, are five inches wide.

“Granby Street has become a destination for residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Paul Fraim. “We are adding another element of charm and energy with these impressive arched lights of yesteryear that will serve as a visual reminder of Norfolk’s storied past and vibrant future.”

“It creates a unique sense of place in Downtown,” said Mary Miller, president and CEO of Downtown Norfolk Council. “We envision the lighting celebration during our very popular First Fridays event will bring even more people to be part this historic moment. We’re ready for Granby Street to glow!”

The Lights Over Granby celebration joins the festivities of First Fridays. This is the fourth season of Downtown Norfolk Council’s street parties that start Friday, April 1 at the Downtown campus of Tidewater Community College, in the 300 block of Granby Street. Each First Fridays event runs from 5 pm to 8:30 pm with live music, food trucks, merchandise vendors and a beer garden with craft beer in an authentic Downtown setting. Entertainment will be provided by DJP and Mr T and CanRock. First Fridays is sponsored by S.L. Nusbaum and the Wells Fargo Center.

Funding for Lights Over Granby is made possible by the Downtown Improvement District’s taxes that are paid by Downtown property owners. Follow the event at #LightsOverGranby.