Residents urged to 'shop local and celebrate big' as Christmas heads for Melton
- NEMM
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
The upcoming Christmas celebrations in Melton are a great time to support local businesses according to Melton Borough Council.
Details of the full Christmas schedule have been released and it all stars on Friday 28th November in the town centre with the annual Christmas Light Switch On event, this year bringing back the victorian theme to the event. A theme which has proved extremely popular in previous years.
Melton Mowbray Town Estate are leading the organisation in partnership with Melton Borough Council and Melton BID and the weekend will see a host of festivities across the weekend.
There will be no school performances throughout the day at the Christmas Light Switch on for the first time in recent years. Instead, local children have been invited to perform at the Chirstmas Tree Festival inside St. Mary's Church and a DJ will be on stage between 11am and 6pm.
DJ Scott Lyons will take over at 6pm before the big build up to the light switch on at 7:30pm. A new line up of 90s boyband East 17 will take to the stage at 8pm.
Councillor Sharon Butcher, Portfolio Holder Growth and Prosperity, said: “We’re delighted to fund the Christmas lights and tree this year, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates Melton’s unique character. To further support our town centre and independent businesses, we’re also offering four days of free parking in the lead-up to Christmas—making it easier for residents and visitors to shop local and enjoy those final festive purchases. Each year, the Melton Mowbray Christmas lights switch-on attracts large crowds, and this year promises to be no different. This celebration is also a great chance to shine a spotlight on our town centre, supporting our brilliant independent businesses.”
“There is so much to enjoy in Melton Mowbray across the whole town. We always work hard to create a family-friendly Christmas atmosphere in Melton Mowbray, and this year is no exception. All these events are a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit.”
The Victorian Christmas Market running from Friday 28th November to Sunday 30th November, will be open from 11am until 9pm on Friday, with late night shopping available, and from 10am until 6pm on Saturday and from 10am until 4pm on Sunday. With over one hundred stalls, live entertainment, and late-night shopping, it’s the ideal time to support local businesses.
Melton Mowbray Town Estate have confirmed that all stall positions have 'sold out' for the Friday event with more than 90 food and gift traders attending.
As part of the Christmas collaboration, Stockyard will host a Christmas Market on the Saturday and Sunday transforming the whole of Melton Mowbray into a Victorian winter wonderland for the weekend.
Adding to the festive atmosphere is a full weekend of live music, featuring N-Trance on Saturday at 5 pm and the remarkable Adele tribute artist, Natalie Black, who will bring the Christmas Fair to a close at 3 pm on Sunday.
On Saturday performers will include 'Footloose', 'Cheeky Blinders', Darren Hall and the The Hessle Ceilidh Band.
Throughout the Victorian Christmas Fair visitors can also enjoy:
Free one hour Victorian themed tours by HistoryFare, Friday 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Saturday and Sunday tours depart 10am, 12.30 and 3pm. No need to book, just meet at the Old Medieval Manor House at the top of King Street.
Funfair on Leicester Street and a festive trail on Sherrard Street
Melton Mowbray Lions’ Santa’s Grotto in the Bell Centre.
St Mary’s Church’s enchanting annual Christmas Tree Festival from Friday 28 November to Tuesday 3 December.
Hidden Food Tours: On 28 November, enjoy an exclusive tour of Melton’s most celebrated food and drink producers. Departs 10:30am and returns mid-afternoon, in time to soak up the atmosphere of Melton’s Victorian Christmas Market.
Wreath Making Competition and Festival at St John’s Church on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November, 10am until 4pm.
Leicestershire County Council will be putting on a FREE bus service to the Victorian Christmas Fair on Sunday 30th November with full details to be announced.
Additional events throughout December, including:
73rd Melton & Belvoir Agricultural Society Annual Christmas Fatstock Show & Sale - Saturday 6th December at Melton Mowbray Livestock Market
Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th December is the second Stockyard Christmas Market weekend of the season.
The Mayor’s Christmas Carol concert at St Mary’s Church, on Thursday 4th December starting at 6.30pm.
Melton Mowbray Christmas Folk Trail on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December from 12pm to 10pm throughout Melton Town Centre.
Rotary’s annual Santa Fun Run at Melton Country Park, on Sunday 7th December from 9.30am.
Free Festive Parking returns in selected council-owned long stay car parks; Burton Road, Scalford Road and Mill Street on Friday 13 December, Saturday 14 December, Friday 20 December and Saturday 21 December.
With the last town centre market before Christmas, Tuesday 23 December.
A spokesperson for Melton Borough Council confirmed that the Christmas lights will keep glistening until 6th January, better known as the twelfth night.
For a full list of events and timings visit www.discovermelton.com.