Hinckley’s spectacular Christmas Lights switch-on

Hinckley’s Christmas lights switch-on event will take place on Friday 17 November and will get underway at 4pm. The lights will be switched on in Market Place at 6.30pm by Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Councillor Scott Gibbens, helped by a special character.

A spectacular four-minute firework display, sponsored by the Showman’s Guild, will take place in Argents Mead at 6.45pm which can be viewed across town. The party will continue on the stage afterwards, with live music up until 8pm. Local musicians and bands, Dean Thomas, Steven Faulkner and Hinckley Pride Rainbow Singers and others will be on stage performing to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. There will also be a smaller stage at the top of Castle Street where local choirs will perform acapella. 

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 plus many of Hinckley’s shops and the Britannia Centre will be open for late night shopping.  Council approved street-sellers will be wearing green hi-vis jackets.

Children can visit Santa in his Grotto outside Jasper's on Castle Street (there will be a £5 charge, cash only to visit Santa). Money raised will go to Against Breast Cancer. The United Reformed Church on Regent Street will also be open from 4.30pm to 7.30pm providing free children’s Christmas craft activities.

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!

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 18 November from 12pm to 10pm. Rides are chargeable by the fair ground company. 

For more Christmas cheer, Atkins Gallery will be holding their Christmas Fair, on Saturday 18 November from 10am – 4pm. There will be lots of original stalls with local businesses, artists and crafters.  Entry to the Christmas Gift Fair is free. Festive treats will be available from the onsite Hansom Cafe.

Parking is free from 3pm in all council run car parks on the day of the lights switch-on (17 November). All relevant road closure information will be detailed on the Borough Council website.

There will be no 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, Councillor 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 trail on Wednesday 6 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 entertainment on the trail. 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 6 December.

Castle Street will be open to traffic from 6pm to 8pm to allow members of the 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.