Visit Sleaford’s Market Place across Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December for WinterLight – a weekend of free activities to celebrate Christmas.
A community lantern procession will illuminate the town centre on Saturday, with local community groups and crafters having been invited to create a variety of lanterns in the weeks leading up the event.
Participants will gather from 3:30pm at the Hub and walk along Southgate to the Market Place. Upon arrival at the Hub, participants will be greeted by carolling from the Sleaford Concert Band. As the procession makes its way to the Market Place, there will be another session of carolling and entertainment into the evening.
There’s also opportunity to decorate a jar lantern, which will be placed in front of St Denys’ over the weekend, adding a further glow to the area.
Fun for all ages awaits on the synthetic ‘ice’ rink, open from 2pm-7pm Saturday and 11am-4pm Sunday. Free 30-minute slots will be available across both days and no booking will be required. With most activities taking place on the Saturday, the skating sessions on Sunday should offer a quieter experience for individuals with additional needs.
St Denys’ will feature a festive projection, in place for a limited time over the weekend, alongside community-made lanterns. Additional highlights for the Saturday include free face painting, a dance performance and Santa’s Sleigh photobooth, brought courtesy of the Rotary Club.
Cllr Richard Wright, leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: “Sleaford really comes alive during the festive period, and we’re pleased this year, to welcome everyone to experience it with a weekend of free activities for all ages in this new space.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Christmas and support local businesses and see the potential for the Market Place to host events of this kind more easily and safely.”
On this day and every Saturday in December there will free parking in Sleaford, in any North Kesteven District Council-run car park this festive period, to further encourage shoppers and visitors into Sleaford to enjoy the free activities. Free parking continues every evening and Sunday, as usual.
Local businesses will have festive specials available throughout the weekend, and many will be opening into the evening on Saturday 21 December.
Meanwhile, some of the businesses in Bristol Arcade will be open on Sundays from 10am throughout December, offering an additional day for people to do their Christmas shopping and enjoy more of Sleaford all weekend. This includes Beautifully Handmade Gift Shop, Treasured Trove, Empra UK, and TJ Crafts.
WinterLight is funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, being delivered by North Kesteven District Council in partnership with local businesses and creatives including the Hub, Lumo Workshop and Popcorn Media.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/luckybusiness
