Thousands visit Christmas lights event

A crowd of more than 3,000 packed into Market Place and nearby streets as the switch was thrown to light the town Christmas tree, shopping streets and alleyways – and the trees of St Peter’s Hill Green. Hundreds more enjoyed the day-long schedule of festive fun,

Six hours of family entertainment included community groups taking over the stage with singing, dance and theatre, including the Rock Choir, the Winter Princesses, Grantham School of Dancing, and the spectacular finale from Ultra 90s.

Street entertainment included balloon modelling, Santa’s Grotto, face painting, vintage fair rides and fire engines, the snow globe and Christmas crafts.

Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Paul Stokes, who is also the Deputy Leader of SKDC, said: “It’s been many years since Grantham witnessed an event as impressive as this.

“There was so much to see and everyone who was there will be able to tell their family and friends what great time they had.

“We’ve had great feedback from the dozens of market stallholders, who were busy from the outset, and from shopkeepers in the town centre, many of whom took part in the popular Gingerbread family trail.

“The logistics, planning and staffing by our colleagues at South Kesteven Council have been second to none and I would like to publicly thank everyone who contributed to this unmitigated success.”

Grantham Town Councillor Ambassador Cllr Charmaine Morgan welcomed the crowd and said: “Events like this remind us of what makes Grantham so special – a community that cherishes its rich history, values its people and looks forward to the future with open hearts and minds.

“It’s been a truly festive occasion, bringing us together as we mark the start of the Christmas season.

“The lights will serve as a beacon of hope and joy for the season ahead. They will remind us of the importance of supporting one another, shopping locally and cherishing everything that makes Grantham the place we’re proud to call home.”

Special guest Joanne Taylor, the recipient of the Judy Smith Lifetime Community Champion Award at the recent SK Community Awards was invited to switch on the lights display.

She is a Grantham Community Connector for Shine Lincolnshire, and has established 10 diverse community groups, created accessible flashcards for vulnerable people and organises a family fun day.

Joanne urged everyone to do their bit to make the community a better place.

Vice Chairman of SKDC, Cllr Ian Selby, commented I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has dedicated their time and effort to making this event possible, especially Lincolnshire Fire Aid for their unwavering support and provision of the infrastructure essential for today’s success.

“I would also like to mention the schools, community groups and charities whose contributions have brought so much joy and community spirit to the festivities. A big thank you as well must go to our market traders, the Showmen’s Guild and all the suppliers and performers who have made the event so special.”