Grimsby lights up with the magic of Christmas

CHRISTMAS arrived in Grimsby town centre last night.

The festive lights came on at 4pm with no ceremony this year.

The main tree in St James’ Square was lit, along with displays along Victoria Street to the Riverhead. It comes after a 10ft £1,000 artificial Christmas tree was erected in that area last week.

Branded ‘embarrassing’ and ‘underwhelming’ by passersby, it was removed on Friday, with North East Lincolnshire Council saying the tree, which was to accompany the Christmas Market, had been put up too early.

The Great Grimsby Christmas Market itself will be held over two days on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 November in Grimsby town centre and alongside some unique traders, there’ll be fun and entertainment and special appearances.

However, due to the anticipated poor weather, with a Met Office Yellow warning of gusts up to 60mph currently in force for the Saturday, the decision has been made to relocate the market indoors both as a safety precaution and to encourage as many visitors as possible.

Working together with Freshney Place, the council has been able to move the market traders into one of the centre’s units, just inside the Riverhead entrance, to make sure the festive shopping extravaganza can go ahead.

Councillor Callum Procter, Cabinet member for tourism, said: “Unfortunately, the weather is something you just can’t predict.

“I’d like to thank Freshney Place for stepping in and helping us put on this Christmas Market for everyone, and I hope people come along to support local traders at this time.”

To support the market, both Cartergate car park and Grimsby Town Hall car parks will be free to use over the weekend.