Dick & Dom to Host Melton Mowbray's Big Christmas Party – and You Are Invited!

Get ready to celebrate as Melton Mowbray turns the lights on and the music up this Christmas. Expect a packed programme of festive entertainment, family activities, community events and the return of the popular three-day Christmas Market at the heart of it all. 

Celebrations commence with Melton Mowbray’s Big Christmas Party, taking place on Friday 27 November immediately after the Christmas Lights Switch-On. The party begins at 6:00pm with performances from the Melton Rock Choir, followed by a special appearance from the royally connected Santa at 6:40pm. Then, as the festive lights sparkle across the Market Place, television favourites Dick & Dom will take to the stage as hosts and headliners for an hour of high-energy music, humour and nostalgia.  

Fresh from appearances at some of the UK’s most renowned festivals, Dick & Dom will transform the Market Place into one high-energy Christmas Party right in the heart of Melton Mowbray. Designed to bring the whole community together, this event promises an unforgettable start to the town’s Christmas celebrations with something for the whole family. 

The town will shine bright with festive illuminations across the town centre and a magnificent 30ft Norway Spruce Christmas tree, proudly sponsored by Saint-Gobain.  

From Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November, the town will be hosting the popular three-day Christmas Market, spreading festive cheer across the centre of town. Discover independent makers, artisan producers, food and drink, seasonal attractions and live entertainment. This will be the perfect place to shop with small and local businesses to get the Christmas shopping sorted, while soaking up the festive cheer.  

Trader applications for the 2026 Christmas Market can be submitted online at: https://booking.meltonchristmasmarket.co.uk/  

Christmas Market opening hours are as follows:  

• Friday 27 November 11:00am-8:00pm
• Saturday 28 November 10:00am-5:00pm
• Sunday 29 November 10:00am-4:00pm 

Alongside the events programme, free festive Friday parking will return in selected council-owned long-stay car parks from Friday 27 November until Friday 18 December. This includes Burton Road, Scalford Road and Mill Street to assist visitors in enjoying everything Melton Mowbray has to offer this Christmas. 

The successful festive collaboration continues between Melton Borough Council, Melton Mowbray Town Estate and Melton BID to bring residents, visitors and businesses together to transform the town centre into one of the region's leading Christmas destinations and will provide a memorable event for all who attend.  

Councillor Ronan Browne, Leader of Melton Borough Council, said: 

"Christmas is one of the most important and exciting times of year for Melton Mowbray. Our Christmas Market has become a major attraction for both residents and visitors, and this year's programme builds on that success with even more entertainment and activities across the town centre. It's an opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Melton special, support our local businesses and give people a fantastic reason to visit and enjoy the town during the festive season." 

James Colclough, Manager of Melton BID, said: 

"The Christmas Market is one of the biggest weekends in our town's calendar and an important time for local businesses. The combination of great entertainment, festive experiences and our fantastic independent businesses creates a unique atmosphere that encourages people to stay longer, explore more and enjoy everything Melton Mowbray has to offer." 

Graham Bett, Chair of Melton Mowbray Town Estate, said: 

"Christmas brings people together and creates lasting memories for families and friends. The Town Estate has been providing town centre street markets for hundreds of years and we’re sure this Christmas Market will be one to remember! We're delighted to support this festive programme that combines tradition, entertainment and community spirit, making Melton Mowbray THE destination for family festive fun." 

Throughout the Christmas Party weekend, visitors can also enjoy:  

• The Leicester City FC Roadshow will be making a special appearance offering supporters and families the chance to enjoy interactive activities, prizes and a unique Leicester City experience in the heart of the town.
• Free themed tours with the 2026 BID Award-winning HistoryFare. Tours depart each day at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. No booking is required; simply meet at King Street archway.
• The traditional funfair returning to Burton Street.
• The Melton Mowbray Lions' Santa's Grotto in the Bell Centre on Friday 27 November at 12:00pm-8:00pm, Saturday 28 November 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday 29 November at 10:00am-3:00pm. They will be open every Saturday at 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday at 10:00am-3:00pm up until Sunday 20 December. 
• St Mary's Church's annual Christmas Tree Festival, running from Friday 27 November to Tuesday 1 December.
• The Wreath Festival at St John's Church on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, from 10am to 4pm.
• The Stockyard Christmas Market on 21 November, helping to launch the festive season with a Christmas shopping experience.  

Additional festive events also include:  

• The 74th Melton and Belvoir Agricultural Society Annual Christmas Fatstock Show and Sale at Melton Mowbray Livestock Market on Saturday 5 December.
• The Rotary Santa Fun Run at Melton Country Park on Sunday 6 December.
• The Mayor's Christmas Carol Concert at St Mary's Church Monday 7 December at 6:30pm.
• The Stockyard 'Party to a Party' on Saturday 12 with a Christmas meal and live entertainment.
• The Melton Mowbray Christmas Folk Trail on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December, featuring performances throughout the town centre. 

The Christmas lights will continue to sparkle into the new year until January 6. 

For a full list of festivity, events and timings, visit A wonderful Christmas in Melton - Discover Melton 

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Notes to Editors

Road Closures and Transport Arrangements 

To facilitate the Christmas Market and associated events, temporary road closures will be in place from 12.00pm on Thursday 26 November until 11.59pm on Sunday 29 November. 

Affected roads include:

• Leicester Street
• Sherrard Street
• Windsor Street
• Burton Street 

Clearly signed diversion routes will be in operation throughout the event period. https://one.network/?tm=GB148981401

A temporary taxi rank will be located on Burton Street. 

The temporary bus stop for services normally using Windsor Street will be relocated to St Mary's Way for the duration of the event. 

Visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and allow additional travel time during the event weekend.