Big Market Day success in Retford - with many more dates for your diary
There was a big welcome to Retford Big Market Day on October 17 as Big Bird the ostrich visited local businesses, and met residents and visitors of all ages.
The next Retford Big Market Day will be on November 21, 2026, with two stilt-walking elves to meet, greet and entertain.
Following that will be Retford Christmas Market on Sunday, November 29, then the Illuminate Parade on Wednesday, December 9, and the Retford Big Market Day grand finale of the year on Saturday, December 19, 2026.
On December 19, market-goers will be able to meet the Frost Fairy, Hathersage Brass Band, a stilt-walking elf, and Santa (courtesy of Retford Lions). There will be face-painting on offer too.
At the big Retford Christmas Market and Lights Switch-On 2026, on November 29, 10am to 6pm, there will be almost 100 stalls, pitches, street food and drinks, and charities on Retford Market Square and Carolgate, plus many of Retford’s shops and hospitality venues will be open.
A full programme on the stage will include ‘Rule the World,’ a Take That tribute act, from 10.30am to 6pm, and Santa will be in his Grotto from 12 noon.
The Grove will have its Star Festival and craft market, and St Swithun’s its Christmas Tree Festival.
Retford Illuminate-Winter Festival of Light Parade 2026 will run from 4pm to 7pm 4.00pm on December 9, 2026, with the children’s lantern parade at 4.30pm from outside Wonderland Bookshop and moving to the Market Square.
There will be a great model of a Tokamak thanks to support from STEP Fusion, and the parade will be led by the Blue Ice Cheerleaders.
On the Market Square will be Santa, a children’s roundabout, Evie’s Santa Post, free face-painting by Cherry Bomb, market stalls, and street food.
These events are organised by Retford Business Forum in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council, with support from North Notts BID, and STEP Fusion (Illuminate).
More information about Retford Business Forum can be found at www.retfordbusinessforum.org.uk.