Hinckley Christmas lights switch on & Tin Hat Fair

Kick-start the festive season in Hinckley with the Christmas Lights switch on and Tin Hat Fair. Lots of entertainment and attractions are planned for all the family throughout the evening. This year’s event on Friday 17 November will get underway at 4pm. The lights will be switched on at 6.30pm by Leicester Tigers players Manu Tuilagi and Logovi’l Mulipola, along with the Deputy Mayor of the borough, Councillor Jan Kirby. The switch-on will be followed by a fantastic firework display over St Mary’s Church, sponsored by the Borough Council and the Showman’s Guild. There is a full programme of entertainment taking place on-stage in Market Place. The programme will include performances from Vicky Anne Academy of Dance, Fern and Lisa, Steve Faulkner, The Drama Academy and the Hinckley Choral Union. The switch-on will also involve representatives from the Hinckley Ex-Servicemen’s Association and the Royal British Legion at 6pm. In addition to the entertainment in Market Place, town centre shops will be open and a special Christmas market will be held to provide the crowds with an opportunity to do some timely Christmas shopping. Children will get a chance to see live reindeer and meet Santa in his grotto, which will be located at the top of Castle Street. Free Christmas crafts workshop for children will also be taking place at the United Reformed Church as part of the event. Families are invited to drop in between 5.30pm and 7.30pm to make a range of Christmas crafts to take home. The Tin Hat Fair will be open from 4pm until 10.30pm on Friday and from 11am to 9pm on Saturday.