Retford Christmas Market and Lights Switch-On, which looks like being the best ever, will be held on Sunday 21st November, from 10.00am to 6.00pm, in and around the Market Square in Retford.
The day is looking really exciting with a range of Christmas stalls, crafts, on-stage entertainment, and fireworks, plus the spectacular Retford Christmas Lights and Christmas Tree. There will be old favourites and some new attractions this year, so why not come along and discover for yourselves? - here are some of the highlights:
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Santa will arrive at 12noon – thanks to the Retford Lions - and he will be in his grotto in the Town Hall during the afternoon, stepping out at 5pm to switch on the lights. He will need an assistant, and a lucky child will be chosen at random from entries completed at the grotto in a draw at 3pm.
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On stage, there will be the opening service at 11.15am, followed by entertainment from the Elizabethan Academy, Majestic Theatre School, Blue Ice Cheerleaders, The Performance Hub, LCSD Dance Academy, Jo Jingles, Jessica Mary Brett, and following the civic ceremonies, the Majestic Theatre panto dame, and new local band, The Sods.
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In Retford Town Hall, the Craft Fair will amaze visitors with a range of wonderfully crafted gifts... and the Mayflower WI will provide refreshments
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Grove Street provides some great attractions beyond the fairground - Bassetlaw Museum, and the Pilgrims Gallery will be open, and The Grove Methodist Church will have an even bigger Star Festival and music from the Salvation Army Band during the afternoon... and refreshments.
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St Swithun’s Parish Church will be holding its famous Christmas Tree Festival... and refreshments.
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A Fairground organ will provide the atmosphere, and the usual range of excellent food stalls, cafes and restaurants will provide sustenance.
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Out and about will be Rattlejag Morris, Stormtroopers, Flying Santa & reindeer, and the stilt-walking elves – look out for the Snow Globe and Pony Time on Carolgate – new for this year!
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Plus, don’t forget the excellent independent shops that will be open on the day – for example, Christmas gifts from Retford Arts Hub in Cannon Square and a book-signing by Rob Biddulph at the Wonderland Bookshop at the south of Carolgate.
Retford Business Forum is delighted to be working in partnership again with North Notts BID, which is providing financial support and also helping with the organisation and delivery of the event.
