Melton gets its jingle on!

Christmas is coming to Melton on Friday 6 December with the Big Christmas Switch On and the return of the Traditional Christmas Market.

The Melton Mowbray Traditional Christmas Market organised by Melton BID, is running from Friday 6 December to Sunday 8 December. It will be open from 10am until 8pm on Friday, with late night shopping available, and from 10am until 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors can look forward to a selection of local food, drink, festive gifts, and handcrafted items. Live music and entertainment will complete the Market experience, along with Santa, who will be available in his Grotto at the Bell Centre during these three days.

The Big Christmas Switch-On takes place in the Market Place on Friday 6 December 2024. In the run up there will be entertainment on the stage from 5pm with dazzling LED stilt walkers to light up the night and star performances from the Rock Choir.

With the 30ft Christmas tree at centre stage, the lights will be switched on at 6:45pm by Mayor Tim Webster and special guests, illuminating the town for December. Following the light switch-on there will be a celebratory live music until 7.40pm with Melton Brass Band and Sky Theatre's SIX The Musical to wrap up the day.

Councillor Pip Allnatt, Leader of the Council, said: "I am pleased that we are still able to fund this event for families to enjoy and light up Melton Mowbray throughout the festive period. The Council's Big Christmas Switch-On event will kick start the Christmas festivities in Melton Mowbray town centre, running alongside the BID's annual Christmas market.

"It is great that we have once again been able to work with our partners at Melton BID and Melton Mowbray Town Estate to bring the annual celebrations to our town.

"I encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the entertainment, and support our local businesses this Christmas."

James Colclough, Manager of the Melton BID, said: "The annual Christmas Market is a key event for the town centre, bringing hundreds of traders and thousands of visitors together, boosting trade for all involved and creating a fantastic day out for visitors and locals alike.

"Some of our businesses report this weekend to be their biggest of the entire year and many market traders are also local so what better opportunity to shop in Melton Mowbray and embrace the festive spirit."

In addition to the annual market and Big Christmas Switch-On, there will be plenty of events in the town to enjoy throughout December, including:

• St Mary's Church's enchanting annual Christmas Tree Festival from Friday 6 December to Tuesday 10 December, showcasing an array of stunning Christmas trees decorated by residents, organisations and businesses.
• Stockyard Saturday Christmas Fair alongside 72nd Melton & Belvoir Agricultural Society Annual Christmas Fatstock Show & Sale - Saturday 7 December. Christmas Table Poultry Sale, Tuesday 17 December from 8:00am - 1:00pm.
• Wreath Making Competition and Festival at St John's Church on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December, 10am until 4pm.
• The Mayor's Christmas Carol concert at St Mary's Church, on Thursday 12 December starting at 6.30pm.
• Melton Mowbray Christmas Folk Trail on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December from 12pm to 10pm.
• Christmas Wrapping and Classic Car meet in the town centre on Sunday 15 December 10am to 4pm.
• With the last town centre market before Christmas, Tuesday 24 December.

Visitors will also have the perfect opportunity to visit the town during December, as the council's Free Parking scheme returns in selected Long Stay car parks; Burton Road, Scalford Road and Mill Street on Friday 13 December, Saturday 14 December, Friday 20 December and Saturday 21 December.

The Christmas lights will keep glistening until 6 January, better known as the twelfth night.

A detailed list of the events taking place across the borough throughout December, including the local pantomimes, can be found on www.discovermelton.com. If you wish to add your event to the list, please email discover@melton.gov.uk with the details.