Christmas comes to Melton this December
Christmas kicks off in Melton with the return of the Christmas Market and Light Switch On event on Friday 1 December.
The countdown will begin at 6:45pm, with the Mayor Alan Hewson joining a number of guests to turn on the Christmas lights in town.
Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the event across multiple spots in the town centre, with the council’s Christmas lights being illuminated down Nottingham Street, High Street, King Street, St Mary’s Way, Church Street, Sherrard Street, Burton Street, and in the Market Place, with the council’s 30ft Christmas tree, which is sponsored by Biffa, at centre stage.
The Melton BID, who organise the Light Switch On event on behalf of the council, will also be hosting their annual Christmas Market and late-night shopping on Friday 1 December (10am–8pm), Saturday 2 December (10am-4pm) and Sunday 3 December (10am-4pm). The market will offer an array of local food, drink and produce, traditional festive gifts and hand-crafted wares to locals and visitors who attend.
Live music and entertainment will be running throughout the long weekend, including vintage vocalist and entertainer Miss Lily Love-Joy, music and dancing from Want2Dance and performances from local schools, Performing Stars, the Rock Choir, local musicians and Morris dancers.
Those visiting will also be able to meet the alpacas, birds of prey and shire horses in the town centre, as well as visit Santa in his Grotto in the Bell Centre over the 3 days.
Shelagh Core, Manager of the Melton BID said “Melton’s Christmas Weekend is an established three-day event and one of the biggest events for our town centre, attracting over 24,000 visitors last year and 29 coaches.
“With music and family entertainment, it’s going to be the perfect weekend to enjoy some Christmas gift buying and local shopping, whilst also indulging in a drink or lunch in one of our many cafes, restaurants and bars. Don’t forget to use the Melton Free Wi-Fi too when you’re visiting.”
The council’s Free Parking Friday scheme is also set to return, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to visit the town during December and shop local this Christmas. The scheme allows anyone to park in the selected Long Stay Car Parks, Burton Street, Scalford Road and Mill Street for free on the first 4 Fridays in December (the 1st, 8th, 15th and the 22nd).
Councillor Pip Allnatt, Leader of the Council, said “Christmas is such a special time for so many people. We are pleased support this Switch On event in partnership with the Melton BID and Town Estate. The annual event, alongside the Christmas Market, always starts off the festive celebrations in Melton perfectly, and we look forward to seeing everyone there.
“As well as the Light Switch On and Christmas Market on the first weekend of December, there are numerous other events to enjoy across the borough throughout the month, such as the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church. I encourage everyone to go to Discover Melton to see what’s going on and start planning their festive activities.”
A detailed list of the events taking place across the borough throughout November and December, including the local pantomime, can be found on www.discovermelton.com.
Ben King, Biffa's Senior Business Manager for Rutland and Melton, said: "We love being a part of the community here in Melton Borough, so we're absolutely delighted to be sponsoring the town's spectacular Christmas tree this year, alongside our friends at the Green Waste Club.
"Our partnership with the district council sees our team of 34 colleagues collect waste, recycling and garden cuttings from almost 25,000 homes each week, as well as providing a street cleaning service.
"To help residents and businesses recycle even more this Christmas, check out our handy A –Z of recycling at https://www.biffa.co.uk/biffa-insights/az-recycling."
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For more press enquiries please contact: communications@melton.gov.uk
For Melton BID please contact: info@meltonbid.co.uk