The Christmas lights switch-on makes a return, November 2021
Hinckley town centre welcomed the return of the town’s spectacular Christmas lights switch-on on Friday night (19 November) after the popular annual event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.
The switch-on was performed by the Mayor of the Borough, Councillor Ted Hollick and nine-year-old Pollyanna Bland from Desford who was chosen by Fosse 107 listeners as their local hero for her sterling litter picking efforts; Pollyanna has collected over 100kg of litter so far this year, an amazing achievement!
The switch-on was followed by a fantastic firework display over St Mary’s Church, sponsored by the Borough Council and the Showman’s Guild.
There was also a full programme of entertainment taking place on stage in the Market Place, including musical performances from local favourites such as Dean Thomas and Steven Faulkner. Town centre shops stayed open, and a special Christmas market was held.
Children had the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto and a free Christmas crafts workshop for children also took place at the United Reformed Church as part of the event.
The lights switch-on also coincided with the staging of the traditional Tin Hat Fair in Regent Street.
Council Leader Stuart Bray said:
After another challenging year it has been great to hold our Christmas light switch-on and see families and friends able to mix and meet-up, so very different to last year. The switch-on has been a great opportunity for local shops and hospitality venues to remain open for longer and boost their trade as we head into the festive season. I would urge everyone to continue to support local businesses and help boost the local economy. To aid this, as in previous years we’re offering free car parking in selected town centre car parks every Saturday on the run-up to Christmas starting this Saturday 27 November as well as in all council car parks on Sundays so we hope lots of people will take advantage of this offer and support our local businesses.
Parking is free from 9am in Lower Bond Street, Trinity West and Castle car parks on Saturday 27 November as well as Saturdays 4,11 and 18 December. Additionally shoppers can park for free in North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire college car park in the four Saturdays before Christmas. The car park, which is directly behind the Atkins building, can be accessed from Druid Street. Shoppers are reminded that parking is free in all council run car parks on Sundays throughout the year.
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