The event is at Sleaford Market Place across Saturday, 21st December, and Sunday, 22nd December, for WinterLight – an enchanting weekend of FREE activities to celebrate Christmas. It will be the first event of its kind in the newly reconfigured space, designed to make it easier and more attractive to hold community activities at the heart of the town.
A community lantern procession will illuminate the town centre on Saturday, 21st December.
Local community groups and crafters have been invited to create a variety of lanterns in the weeks leading up to the event.
The Hub will be hosting four lantern-making sessions over the weekend of their Christmas Contemporary Makers Market on Saturday, 30th November, and Sunday, 1st December. Bookings for these sessions can be made through the following link: https://hub-sleaford.org.uk/events/lantern-making-with-lumo-workshop. Additionally, a drop-in lantern-making session will take place at St Denys’, providing an opportunity for everyone to create their own lantern to carry in the procession.
Participants will gather from 3:30 pm at the Hub and walk along Southgate to the Market Place. Upon arrival at the Hub, participants will be greeted by carolling from the Sleaford Concert Band. As the procession makes its way to the Market Place, there will be further carolling and entertainment into the evening.
There’s also an opportunity to decorate a jar lantern, which will be placed in front of St Denys’ over the weekend, adding a further glow to the area. Keep an eye on the Council’s social media channels for more information on where drop-in craft activities will take place.
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, offering a smooth skating experience without the environmental impact. Free 30-minute slots will be available across both days, with no booking required. With most activities taking place on the Saturday, the skating sessions on Sunday should offer a quieter experience for individuals with additional needs.
St Denys’ will feature a festive projection, in place for a limited time over the weekend, alongside community-made lanterns, which will add a special glow to the space. Additional highlights for the Saturday include free face painting, a dance performance, and Santa’s Sleigh photobooth, courtesy of the Rotary Club.
The event invites residents and visitors alike to come together for a weekend filled with festive fun and family-friendly entertainment.
Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, said, “Sleaford really comes alive during the festive period, and this year we’re pleased to welcome everyone to experience it with a weekend of free activities for all ages in this new space. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Christmas, support local businesses, and see the potential for the Market Place to host events of this kind more easily and safely.”
On this day and every Saturday in December, there will be free parking in Sleaford in any North Kesteven District Council-run car park, to further encourage shoppers and visitors into Sleaford to enjoy the free activities. Free parking continues every evening and Sunday, as usual.
Local businesses will have festive specials available throughout the weekend, and many will be opening into the evening on Saturday, 21st December.
Meanwhile, some of the businesses in Bristol Arcade will be open on Sundays from 10 am throughout December, offering an additional day for people to do their Christmas shopping and enjoy more of Sleaford all weekend. This includes Beautifully Handmade Gift Shop, Treasured Trove, Empra UK, and TJ Crafts.
WinterLight is funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is being delivered by North Kesteven District Council in partnership with local businesses and creatives, including the Hub, Lumo Workshop, and Popcorn Media.
