Big lights switch on this Sunday
CHRISTMAS cheer is heading to Charnwood with a host of events in the borough.
This year’s festivities will officially kick-off with the Christmas lights switch-on in Loughborough Market Place on Sunday, November 26, from 1pm – 5pm.
Capital FM will host the event for the first time from 3pm, with breakfast’s Dino, Pete and Tyles as well as afternoon presenters Tom and Claire. The entertainment will include a DJ set, live competitions and music videos on a giant screen.
The team from Capital will be joined by the cast of this year’s town hall pantomime, Robin Hood, as well as entertainment from Loughborough Students’ Union Sing and St Botolph’s School Choir.
During the day there will be a charity market and a French market as well as arts and crafts, fairground rides and a Santa’s grotto in Carillon Court.
The continental market is heading to Loughborough on Friday, November 24 and will be in the town centre until Sunday, November 26 when the lights are switched on.
Flavours of the World will offer visitors the chance to taste traditional cuisines from many different countries and will complement the Friday Vintage Market and the award-winning Saturday market.
Coun Jenny Bokor, Charnwood Borough Council’s lead member for the town centre, said: “There’s always such a packed programme of events during the festive period.
“We’re excited to have Capital FM hosting our lights switch-on for the first time this year and the event is always a hit with the whole family.
“Loughborough is also a great shopping destination, and we’re pleased to provide free parking in council car parks on the last five Sundays before Christmas.”
The Christmas programme is packed with information on festive events in the area and is organised by Charnwood Borough Council in partnership with Love Loughborough.
Other key Christmas dates are:
• Santa Fun Run and Walk, Sunday, December 3 - starts at 11am
The Rotary’s Santa Fun Run and Walk which starts and finishes in the Market Place.
Around 1,500 Santas and festively-dressed dogs take part in this great family event.
• Love Loughborough Winter Festive Fayre, Sunday, December 10, 10am – 4pm Christmas fun including street entertainment, live music, an Arts & Crafts Market and free Christmas gift wrapping.
• Christmas Cracker Market, December 10-17, 8am - 4pm
• During this period we will be hosting a visiting Christmas market which will join other markets as follows:
Wednesday, December 13 – Farmers’ market accompanied by a Food and Craft Market
Thursday, December 14 – Retail market – a rich variety off goods across 140 stalls
Friday, December 15 – Vintage and collectors’ market
Saturday, December 16 – Retail market - a rich variety off goods across 140 stalls (Salvation Army Band playing from 2.15pm3.30pm)
Sunday, December 17 – Food, craft and gift market
This is your chance to soak up the Christmas atmosphere while shopping for essentials as well as those special gifts and food. The markets will be supported by seasonal entertainment, music, special offers and prizes.
• Christmas retail markets, Friday, December 22 and Saturday, December 23 Visit the Market to pick up those last minute essential items including fruit, vegetables and other festive food as well as everything else that the usual markets offers.
• Carols at the Carillon, Sunday, December 24 Further details of this event will be available shortly. There will be free parking at all Charnwood Borough Council car parks excluding Brown’s Lane on the following Sundays; November 26, December 3, 10, 17 and 24.
• For more information about the Christmas programme events contact market.fairs@charnwood.gov. uk or visit www.loveloughborough. co.uk
Phone 01509 634624.