Hinckley’s spectacular Christmas lights switched on

The switch-on event took place on Friday (21 November), with the weather holding off that day as festivities were enjoyed by all.  
   
Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Cllr Richard Flemming and consort, plus Deputy Council Leader Cllr Mark Bools, turned on the main town centre lights in Market Place. 
 
The Lights in the Mead, a lighting display of some 25,000 lights, was also turned on at the same time. The lights will now be on each evening (approx. 4pm to 11:30pm) until 6 January 2026. 
    
Crowds enjoyed a host of free street entertainment and live music and could choose from an array of festive treats while visiting a host of charity and community stalls and youngsters enjoyed free arts and crafts in the United Reformed Church. Santa was also meeting children in his Grotto on Castle Street. 
 
Live music was performed at the Argents Mead bandstand, while many of Hinckley’s shops and the Britannia Centre stayed open for late night shopping. 
 
The Tin Hat Fair also took place on Friday and Saturday (21-22 November) in Regent Street, where rides were enjoyed by many. The Atkins Gallery also held their free Christmas Fair on the Saturday, with local businesses and artists selling plenty of goodies. 
    
Deputy Council Leader, Cllr Mark Bools said: “The Christmas lights switch on is always one of the most popular events of the year and it was another great spectacle this year.  
   
“The lights in the town centre and Argents Mead are a joy to behold, and it was great to feel the festive cheer being spread across the town all evening. Thank you to everyone who joined us. I hope you had fun and enjoyed supporting our local businesses while you were in town.  
    
“For those wanting to bring elderly and less mobile residents to view the lights I would recommend our Christmas lights car trail on Wednesday 3 December from 6pm to 8pm. Driving down Castle Street 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, there’s no need to book, just come along."