Free parking will once again be available in Sleaford on every Saturday in December – in all North Kesteven District Council-run car parks this festive period.
Free parking will be available in these car parks in support of Small Business Saturday on 7th December, and on the following Saturdays (14th, 21st, and 28th December 2024), with no need to display a ticket.
This goodwill gesture from North Kesteven District Council aims to attract more visitors to Sleaford, providing a welcome boost to local businesses in support of the “shop local” initiative, Small Business Saturday, and for the remainder of December.
It will ensure more residents and visitors can enjoy shopping in Sleaford for Christmas, while also creating opportunities for more people to discover all that Sleaford offers – its walks, leisure centres, museums, cafés, and the Hub.
The free car parking will apply only to North Kesteven District Council-owned car parks, which are:
- Eastbank (next to Sleaford Leisure Centre)
- Money’s Yard, off Carre Street
- Cogglesford Watermill (off Eastgate Road)
- Station Road car park
- Brydone Way car park, off Grantham Road
- Westgate car park
- Church Lane car park
These free Saturdays don’t apply to the Eastgate car park, which is owned and operated by Sleaford Town Council.
Other requirements still apply across all car parks – i.e. parking considerately and within the bays, and displaying a Blue Badge if using a marked disabled space.
Free parking extends to Sundays and weekday evenings after 6 pm as always.
On other occasions, please ensure that you have the necessary cash to hand to pay, as intermittent problems with machine connectivity for card payment are ongoing, and payment is still required for parking between 8 am and 6 pm on weekdays.
When using cash, people are advised to insert the coins slowly to avoid jamming, and if there are any problems with the machines not working, to try another machine if available, and report faults as directed on the boards.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Richard Wright, said: “We’re pleased to be suspending Saturday parking charges in our Council-owned car parks in Sleaford throughout December again this year. This initiative was well received last year and extends our existing free parking on Sundays and Bank Holidays, making it easier for visitors to enjoy all that Sleaford has to offer.
“December is a vibrant time in Sleaford, and we hope that the provision of free parking on these Saturdays will encourage more people to visit the town centre. This is especially timely with Small Business Saturday on 7th December, when many local businesses will be eager to welcome you and help you find the perfect gifts for Christmas.”
Alongside free parking, Sleaford will be home to a series of festive events and activities this Christmastime, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the town centre.
The town’s Christmas Market and Lights Switch-On takes place on Sunday, 1st December, from 11 am to 4:30 pm, organised by Sleaford Town Council.
Additional festive lighting displays this year offer selfie opportunities to capture some special moments: at the Hub on Eastgate Green and in the newly refreshed Monument Gardens.
The Hub’s Christmas Makers Market will take place on Saturday, 30th November, and Sunday, 1st December.
Millstream Square and Bristol Arcade traders also have their Christmas markets running on Sunday, 1st December, both from 10 am to 3 pm and well worth a visit.
Lots of other shops and businesses around town plan to hold their own festivities on the day.
Sleaford Methodist Church has its Christmas Tree Festival on 30th November, 10 am to 4 pm, and 1st December, 11 am to 5 pm. Free entry.
The NKDC venues at Navigation House and Cogglesford Mill are open Friday to Monday every weekend, 10 am to 4 pm, for the sale of unique gifts, refreshments, and the usual attractions.
New this year, as the first event on the newly refurbished Market Place, will be WinterLight, on Saturday, 21st December, and Sunday, 22nd December. Enjoy an enchanting weekend of free activities, including a community lantern procession, carolling, and entertainment. Plus, fun for all ages awaits on the synthetic ‘ice’ rink, open from 2 pm to 7 pm on Saturday and 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday. Free 30-minute slots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no booking required.
WinterLight is funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, being delivered by North Kesteven District Council in partnership with local businesses and creatives, including the Hub, Lumo Workshop, and Popcorn Media.