Luma the inflatable snail and much much more join the Great Grimsby Christmas Festival

You’ve heard of carrots and caterpillars taking the lime light, now it’s time for the snail to make a name for itself.

This year’s Great Grimsby Christmas Festival, Saturday, 23 November, is set to be an unmissable festive celebration with a lively main stage programme of live music from local talent and an awe-inspiring light installation inside Grimsby Minster.

Residents and visitors can enjoy this free family-friendly event packed with festive entertainment, a vibrant light parade, and a two-location festive market featuring over 30 stalls—perfect for all your Christmas shopping.

Luma Light Installation: A Mesmerising Robotic Snail

Prepare to be amazed by Luma, a 9-metre-long inflatable robot snail that loves an audience! This interactive light installation will tower over visitors, blending technology and nature in a unique, joyful experience. Luma is almost entirely made from fabric, which allows her movement to reflect the flexible and contorting motion found within the animal kingdom.

Luma is a hopeful and welcoming presence, offering a chance to reimagine what robots can be. Be sure to visit the Grimsby Minster for this captivating, otherworldly encounter as it will appear for just one day!

Luma is created by Air Giants, a creative robotics studio building fantastic, enormous robotic creatures. The robots are bio-inspired, meaning their design and movement draw heavily from nature.

They’re the first in the world to make interactive soft robotics at this scale and the only people making them to show in public spaces. These are the biggest robots most people will ever encounter!

Live Music

The festival will also feature an incredible lineup of live music performances on the main stage. From 12pm to 7pm, families can enjoy a diverse range of Grimsby’s finest talent.

The main stage in St James Square will be a hub of excitement, offering something for everyone to enjoy, whether you're singing along to your favourite Christmas songs or discovering new local talent:

• Opening the day, a semi-acoustic set by Brad Arliss, punk-rock singer-songwriter will be providing a cosy and festive vibe;

• Jaz Beeson - the indie singer songwriter and overthinker is coming to Grimsby to get festive! Bringing along her band, she'll be playing tunes old and new to the merry crowd.

• Chloey Rose - Grimsby based singer songwriter and exciting talent in the alternative pop scene, winning over audiences with her soulful, theatrical sound.

• Ending the tree lighting moment with a Christmas Party is Pelham Road, a high-energy cover band playing festive tunes, pop hits, and much more! The band will be on straight after the light switch on so make sure not to go anywhere

• All changeovers will feature vibrant sets from the young DJs at Freestyle Academy;

• A musical medley from Elf The Musical by Pauline Quirke Academy in Cleethorpes and a showcase performance from Grimsby Institute performing arts students’ own Aladdin panto.

While over at Riverhead Square, the community performance area will be taken over by choir performances and workshops:

• Grimsby Linkage College performing arts students’ choir will perform with Makaton signing, to enhance the accessibility of live performances

• Grimsby Minster Choir will perform pop up Christmas carols to get everyone in the holiday spirit

• The Ski Band, a 5-piece brass band of live Santas will get you rocking around the Christmas tree

• Finally, have a go at mixing your own holiday beats with Freestyle Academy DJ workshops.

In addition to the live music and Luma’s light installation, festival-goers can look forward to the light parade through the town centre featuring a host of festive characters, lanterns, and walkabout acts. If you want to make your own festive crown to take part in the parade, don’t forget you can join a free workshop to make your own on Saturday, 9 November, in Grimsby Top Town Market - Book your free spot here.

There is also much more going on around town throughout the day.

Why not stop by the card making station at Freshney Place with Katie Hopper or pop by Christmas on the beach with La Cuna on Riverhead Square, where you'll even plant a mini Christmas tree and take it home with you! While you’re there, you can also get your festive look ready with free face painting by Jellinelli!

The event is designed to be fun for all ages, ensuring that everyone can soak up the Christmas spirit. With an exciting programme of free entertainment, lovely local stalls, and the enchanting Luma, there’s no better way to kick off the festive season.

This year’s Christmas Festival is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund #UKSPF along with sponsorship from Orsted and the 2025 Group. Their support has allowed the event to expand, ensuring more performances and a memorable experience for everyone attending.

To keep up to date with all Great Grimsby Christmas Festival news and updates, follow Discover North East Lincolnshire on Facebook, Instagram or visit the website