Save the date for Christmas lights and festive market

Building on last year’s success, fun-packed family festivities – funded and organised by SKDC – will run from 11am-5pm in Market Place and Westgate with the all-important lights switch-on bringing a twinkle to the town from 4.30pm.

Alongside all the regular seasonal activities, there will be a free Gingerbread Trail to find 16 colourful wooden gingerbread characters, decorated by local schoolchildren and community groups, which will be on display in local shops and businesses.

Visitors can discover more than 35 unique stalls in the Craft Market, offering handmade holiday gifts, seasonal shopping treats, and beautiful one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.

Santa’s Grotto will be open, with festive face painting, balloon entertainers, the 360 Disco Booth and vintage fire engines nearby. The event is once again supported by Lincolnshire Fire Aid.

Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Paul Stokes, who is also SKDC’s Deputy Leader, said: “This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever before, following last year’s success in the snow.

“It’s all set to offer a real taste of the season, with food and drink stalls offering festive bites and seasonal treats.

“We are hosting a pop-up community choir to give everyone the chance to learn a festive song before performing live on stage. It’s completely free of charge and no experience is needed – just a helping of holiday spirit for this, which we’re running in collaboration with Elaine Bishop.

“The Gingerbread Trail, in partnership with Simon Kieffer from Outwood CIC, is set to be one of the heartwarming highlights of the day and fun for children of all ages.

“Please get the date in your diary early, ready for what promises to be an unforgettable day of festive fun, goodwill and entertainment for all ages on Sunday 1^st December.”

Performers already booked include Ultra 90s – back by special request after stealing the show in 2023 – Grantham School Of Dancing; Polka Dot Pantomimes; Elf Antics; MJH Productions; Hermione Johnson; Sam Bickmore; Rock Vox Academy; The Winter Princesses; Hayes Theatre and Rock Choir.

Wide Westgate will be transformed into a traditional fun fair with rides and carnival favourites.

Stay tuned to the live information page online at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/xmas2024 where more details will be added as new attractions sign up and timings are confirmed. Bookmark the page for exciting updates!

For more festive fun on the day, remember to visit:

• the Garden Yard Christmas Market (10am-3pm)

• St Wulfram’s Church Christmas Tree Festival (times TBC) and

• Beauty and the Beast – the Guildhall Arts Centre Pantomime (1pm and 5pm)

There is free parking in SKDC car parks on the day.