Christmas events spread festive cheer in Hinckley
Residents were able to step into Christmas after three of Hinckley’s most beloved festive events were held last week.
The town’s annual Hinckley Car Trail for elderly and disabled residents, ‘carols around the tree’ hosted in partnership with Churches Together and Festive Feast, a food and craft market which offered many hundreds of residents a wide a selection of hot and cold food plus crafts, collectibles, entertainment and gifts have all taken place in the last few days.
The Hinckley Car Trail drew many vehicles including coaches from local care homes, sponsored by Orbit Coaches of Peckleton and G Seller of Hinckley supported by the United Reformed church along with the church guides and Hinckley all age community choir.
Then on Friday evening (8 December), the festive spirit rang loud and clear as residents braved the cold to join Mayor of the Borough, Councillor Scott Gibbens, and gather around the Christmas tree in Market Place.
The congregation enjoyed singing a number of well-known carols, accompanied by musicians from Living Rock Church and local schools. A collection of non-perishable goods was made on behalf of Hinckley Area Foodbank.
This year's service was organised by Churches Together and the Borough Council and was led by Reverend Simon Wearn, Rector at Holy Trinity Church in Hinckley.
On Sunday (10 December) Christmas shoppers defied the wet weather to attend Festive Feast, browsing more than 45 stalls offering a range of goods, including street foods, warming mulled wine and cider, crafts, gifts and collectibles.
Visitors to the free event were also able to enjoy live music, while children were entertained by an elf balloon modeller and entertainment from Fosse 107.
Executive Member for Leisure at the Borough Council, Councillor Mark Bools, said:
“It was wonderful to see so many residents coming together to get into the Christmas spirit this past week. I would like to thank everyone for coming along to all of these events, as well as to everyone who was involved in organising.
“It has been heartening to see the community coming together to soak up the Christmas atmosphere. If you missed out and still need to get your Christmas shopping done, then please remember that select council-run car parks are free on Saturdays throughout December and all council-run car parks are free to park in on Sundays all year round.”
Families with children are reminded that the Borough Council and Hinckley BID have teamed up to offer Santa’s grotto this weekend in Britannia Centre, Hinckley. The grotto will open its doors from Saturday 16 to Monday 18 December, welcoming visitors each day from 10am – 12.30pm and then from 1pm - 4pm. Entry to the grotto will cost just £3 per child (cash only please).
- More articles in the news archive