Where to see this year's Christmas lights switch-on as town transforms into festive wonderland
"This year's programme is packed with entertainment, creativity and festive fun”
Rotherham is set to sparkle this festive period as the town centre transforms into a festive wonderland for the much-anticipated Christmas lights switch-on.
Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of free entertainment, including live music in All Saints' Square with performances by some of Rotherham’s finest young musical talents over at Forge Island.
This year's event is set to kick off from 3pm on Saturday (November 14).
The highlight of the day will take place at 6pm, when the Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Haroon Rashid, officially switches on the town's Christmas lights.
Cabinet Member for Waste Services, Leisure and Green Spaces, Cllr Lynda Marshall said: "The Christmas lights switch-on is one of the highlights of the year and a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to come together and celebrate the festive season.
"This year's programme is packed with entertainment, creativity and festive fun, showcasing the fantastic talent, culture and community spirit we have here in Rotherham. I look forward to seeing lots of residents and visitors at what promises to be a memorable event."
Inside Rotherham Minster, there are free festive workshops including willow weaving, lantern making, bauble decorating, giant colouring activities and winter headpiece creation.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, visitors can enjoy the interactive theatre performance The Night Before Kitschmas in Minster Gardens, while across the town centre a host of festive street entertainment will bring extra Christmas cheer.
Snail Yard will be transformed into a festive Christmas zone, complete with a giant snow globe, spectacular acrobatic performances and the chance to meet Father Christmas himself.
Also on High Street, the Three Cranes will host a medieval-themed celebration featuring traditional games, local history and folklore talks in one of Rotherham’s oldest buildings.
At Rotherham Market, festive celebrations begin earlier in the day, with live music, seasonal treats and a Christmas gifts crochet and knitting workshop takin place on Saturday morning.
Families can also take part in Business Quest, a festive trail around the town centre with the chance to win a prize.
Free Saturday parking is available in Council-owned off-street town centre car parks (excluding Forge Island).
For more information on the event visit https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/events/event/2268/14-november-christmas-lights-switch-on-at-rotherham-town-centre