Hinckley’s spectacular Christmas Lights switch-on

The lights, sponsored by the Borough Council and the Showman’s Guild, will be switched on in Market Place at 6.30pm by Town Crier Joe David and the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Councillor Dawn Glenville. 

A spectacular four-minute firework display will take place in Argents Mead at 6.45pm which can be viewed across town. The party will continue on the stage afterwards, with Fosse 107 and live music up until 7.30pm. Local musicians and bands will be on stage performing songs to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

There will also be a range of market stalls along Castle Street selling crafts, festive treats, and tipples. A selection of charity stalls will offer fun tombolas and prizes to take home. Lots of Hinckley’s shops and the Britannia Centre will be open for late night shopping.

Children can visit Santa in his Grotto outside Jasper's on Castle Street. The grotto this year is kindly being run by Hinckley Round Table, and there will be a small charge to visit Santa. Money raised will go to Hinckley Round Table's charity fund for local good causes. The United Reformed Church on Regent Street will also be open from 4pm to 7pm, providing free children’s' Christmas craft activities, including reindeer food, angel scratch art and decorations.

Free street entertainment will be available all evening, with cheeky elves wandering around town with their elfie selfie station. The elves will be spreading Christmas cheer, handing out candy canes and offering rosy-red cheek face painting for everyone. And everyone’s favourite, John Parnell the ‘Hoop Guy’, will be in town as the world’s tallest elf. There will also be a beautiful LED fairy blowing bubbles around town alongside a toy soldier. In addition, there will be a mini stage near Santa’s grotto with local choirs performing Christmas tunes.

The traditional Tin Hat Fair will take place on Regent Street, George Street and the Borough from 4pm until 10pm on the Friday. The fair will continue Saturday 19 November from 12pm to 10pm. Rides are chargeable, the fair ground company sets these. 

Parking is free from 3pm in all council-run car parks on the day of the lights switch-on. All relevant road closure information will be detailed on the Borough Council website as well as One Network (www.one.network)  

There will be limited access to Argents Mead from 6.30pm-7.00pm to accommodate the fireworks. Hinckley Leisure Centre will be open as usual, with access available from St Mary’s Road/Leisure Centre car park side only between 6.30pm-7.00pm. 

Council Leader, Cllr Stuart Bray said:

The Christmas lights switch on is always one of the most popular events of the year and we are all looking forward to an evening of festive cheer and the opportunity to support local businesses. I wish everyone a happy and safe time during what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

For those wanting to bring elderly and less mobile residents to view the lights I would recommend our Christmas lights tour on Wednesday 7 December from 6pm to 8pm. Driving through the town centre seeing the lights without all the crowds is a great opportunity and you and your passengers can also enjoy United Reform Church Community Choir singing carols. This is a lovely evening and I hope as many people as possible will come along to enjoy it.

Hinckley Christmas lights tour

The annual Hinckley's Christmas lights tour for elderly and disabled people will be held on Wednesday 7 December. 

Castle Street will be open to traffic from 6pm to 8pm to allow the general public to drive down with their elderly or disabled family and friends, allowing them to view the lights.

There will be festive music and street entertainment along the route, vehicles will be allowed to park on a section of Regent Street organised by the event marshals on the night.