Town centre Christmas lights switch-on replaced by festive market weekend
LIVE MUSIC, HOST OF STALLS AND THE 10FT RIVERHEAD CHRISTMAS TREE RETURNS
GRIMSBY will not be hosting an official lights switch-on ceremony when the main tree is lit up today.
A two-day festive market will be held at the weekend instead with live music from brass bands and a host of stalls and the return the North East Lincolnshire Council 10ft Riverhead Christmas tree.
It is understood the weekend will help provide a boost for the area’s businesses.
Today, the lights of the St James’ Square Christmas tree will be flicked on after local firm NewLincs Development Ltd of Stallingborough funded the tree, supplied from Strawson Woodland at East Ravendale.
Staff from McCann’s have installed lights throughout the town centre and on the main tree, as they have done for every year for the past 30 years.
The firm’s security barriers surround the tree in St James’ Square for protection. wInstead of a ceremony, council leaders are inviting members of the public to attend the two-day Christmas market on Saturday and Sunday.
A NELC spokesperson said: “It will be just the place to get into the festive spirit, pick out a few Christmas presents with a browse around the market stalls including gifts, bath products, vegan and eco products, jewellery, hot food and other goodies.
“And even better, brass bands, singers and street entertainment will be there to enjoy as you shop. There will also be some guest appearances on both days, just perfect for some family fun and selfie opportunities.
“In Riverhead Square, you can see a three-metre pre-lit Christmas tree that has been bought with the £1,000 voucher that Grimsby won in the “Revive and Thrive” competition held in 2019, where we were shortlisted to the final 10 entries.
“Additionally, a new ‘Fontaine’ illumination has been purchased using some money from the Government’s Welcome Back Fund.
“Both will be lit when all the Christmas lights are in place and lit from Thursday November 25, just in time for late-night shopping.”
Other areas are also holding events as well as ceremonies to light up their town or village for Christmas.
In Saltfleet, garage owner, Ady Major bought a 20ft Christmas tree, also from Strawson Woodland, and put it up for under £300.
He and his wife Kim invited children from the village, which has a population of around 300, to join in a special event to decorate the tree and treated them to mince pies, hot chocolate and music.
Barton town centre will be busy with local residents celebrating a Christmas Festival on Saturday, with celebrations from 1pm to 7pm with a lights switchon ceremony at 6.30pm for their 20ft tree.
Brigg will celebrate the lighting up of their 18ft tree at 4pm on Thursday and gather round to enjoy the festive spirit.
Louth Town Council has invited everyone to join the Mayor Cllr Darren Hobson at the switch-on of the tree lights at 3.30pm on Sunday.
A grand ceremony will be held in Caistor Market Place from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, December 5, when the Christmas tree lights will be switched on and there will be street food, gifts and crafts, music and a visit from Santa.
The Holly Jolly Cleethorpes Christmas Market takes place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, December 4.
Immingham will host a Christmas Market from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, December 4 in the main hall at the Civic Centre on Pelham Road.