Town’s festive shopping season starts this week
Events lined up to take us up to Christmas
LOUGHBOROUGH’S festive shopping officially starts this week.
The town will play host to the Continental Christmas Market this weekend (Friday to Sunday, November 23-25) when traders from all over Europe will be joined by top quality crafts stalls from the UK to hold a celebratory seasonal market which will fill the town’s Market Place.
And, of course, everyone is gearing up for the switching-on of the town’s Christmas lights this Sunday, November 25.
Thousands of people are expected to enjoy the event with festivities taking place in the Market Place between 10am - 5pm.
This year will see the unveiling of new Christmas lights which have been installed by Charnwood Borough Council and is part of its continued investment into making the town attractive and welcoming to visitors and residents.
The Christmas light switch-on has something for everyone starting with a charity market opening at 10am, as well as a range of stalls selling food from around the world, fairground rides and a Santa’s grotto in Carillon Court.
The stage will come alive at 1pm with performances by Loughborough Students’ Union Sing, St Botolph’s School Choir, Bright Lights Theatre School and Loughborough Schools Foundation Sax Ensemble.
Capital FM breakfast team Dino, Pete and Tyles will host the event from 3pm.
Entertainment will include live competitions and music videos on a giant screen.
The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm by Alex and Megan Hutton the young winners of the Light-up Loughborough competition along with the cast of this year’s Loughborough Town Hall pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.
Coun Jenny Bokor, the council’s lead member for Loughborough said: “Every year there is a packed programme of events during the festive period.
“We’re excited to have Capital FM returning to host our lights switchon after a great turn out last year.
“The event will no doubt be a hit with the whole family.
“Loughborough is also a great shopping destination, so make sure you come on down and take advantage of our shops and markets.”
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.