Gainsborough: Christmas lights switch on event promises to be ‘the brightest and biggest’ the town has ever seen

Marshall’s Yard and Gainsborough town centre have united to create a day of festive fun – promising the brightest and biggest Christmas Lights Switch On event the town has ever seen.
Christmas lights at Marshall's YardChristmas lights at Marshall's Yard
Christmas lights at Marshall's Yard

Marshall’s Yard shopping complex, Gainsborough Town Council and West Lindsey District Council have worked in partnership over the last few months to plan the entertainment on Saturday, November 21, running from 1pm to 6pm across the town.

There will be live entertainment throughout the day from two stage areas, in Market Place and Marshall’s Yard.

There will also be festive market stalls, street entertainment and fairground rides.

Titan the Robot will be making an appearance and headline act The Torn will be joining the line-up.

More traditional Christmas entertainment will be provided by the RAF Waddington Military Wives Choir.

There will also be live performances from Grace Bower, as seen on Britain’s Got Talent 2011, and James Sunderland, as well as a number of local choirs, groups and dance troupes.

The day’s entertainment will build up to the lights switch-on which will take place at 5pm in the town centre and 6pm at Marshall’s Yard.

Also on the day, Councillor Matthew Boles, Gainsborough mayor, will be judging the Christmas window display competition for businesses around the town centre and Marshall’s Yard.

After the lights are switched on in Marshall’s Yard by Lincs FM’s John Marshall and Santa with his little helper, there will be “the most spectacular fireworks display Gainsborough has ever seen”.

The sky will be illuminated from 6pm, while classic Christmas songs will be played around Marshall’s Yard.

Alison Hall, Marshall’s Yard manager, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch-On event gets bigger every year and this year is certainly no exception.

“We have organised a full afternoon of entertainment across the town, with a great line up of performers.

“We are so excited to finish the night with a fireworks display over Marshall’s Yard.

“It will be an impressive finale to the evening.”

Matthew Gleadell, town council clerk, said: “We are excited to be involved in what looks set to be a great day for the town.

“The expanded Christmas Lights event has emerged from businesses and councils working together to give the community a fantastic free event and businesses a great boost to the start of the Christmas shopping period.

“With the combined investment into new Christmas lights this year from both councils, we’re sure Gainsborough will be on the map as the place to come and visit to get in to the festive spirit.”

Councillor Owen Bierley, chairman of the district council’s prosperous communities committee, said: “We are proud to be part of this exciting Christmas line up , which has something for everyone.

“Please come along and support our biggest Christmas light switch on event.”