Christmas switch on and festive activities announced
The annual Christmas lights switch on in Swadlincote will launch the festive programme of activities in the town.
‘The Lights Before Christmas’ event will return on Saturday 25 November and will run from 4pm – 7pm.
Families will be able to enjoy illuminated street performers, live festive music and an array of delicious street food. Fairground rides will also be around the town centre for all ages to enjoy.
There will be lots of shopping opportunities to purchase some early gifts too, as late-night shopping will be available with many artisan and craft stalls, plus local businesses opening until late.
Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, Emmanuel Church and The Dance and Music Centre will also be hosting Christmas Craft Fairs on the day.
The festive fun will culminate with the main event, when the Chair of the Council and special guests will switch on the Christmas lights at 6:30pm.
The event will also be the launch of the popular Swadlincote Christmas Trail. This year Rudolph is hiding throughout the town centre and it’s your job to help Santa find him. The trail is available for all ages and is free to take part.
Head to the South Derbyshire Visitor Information Centre on High Street to pick up a trail map to help you find all the places Rudolph is hiding. Once you have found him you get your trail map stamped. When you have successfully collected all the stamps you can return to the Visitor Information Centre to collect a small prize!
The Rudolph Trail will run until Saturday 9 December.
Councillor Sean Bambrick, Chair of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “The Christmas lights switch on in Swadlincote town centre always draws in a huge crowd and I am sure with the many activities taking place we will see people of all ages enjoying the town centre and getting into the festive spirit.”
The ‘Lights Before Christmas’ is just the first of a series of free entry events in the town centre leading up to Christmas with lots of free entertainment. This includes ‘Small Business Saturday’ on 2 December and a ‘Festive Fun Day’ on Saturday 9 December plus many many more. Head to www.visitsouthderbyshire.co.uk/christmas for full details.
It’s not just Swadlincote getting into the Christmas spirit, there are lots of events and activities taking place right across South Derbyshire. Please head to the Visit South Derbyshire website for the full 2023 Christmas listings: www.visitsouthderbyshire.co.uk/whatson.
8 November 2023