Hundreds due at switch-on

Hundreds of people are expected to attend Bingham Christmas Fair and lights switch-on tomorrow.

Fairground rides, food stalls, street entertainers and live performances are set to fill the Market Place with Christmas cheer.

About 40 stalls selling everything from hot dogs and hats and scarves to Christmas gifts and cards will line the edge of the Market Place. Many shops will stay open late to support the event, organised by Bingham Town Council.

The clerk, Mrs Lynn Holland, said: “We are looking forward to a good night and meeting the residents of Bingham.

“I want people wearing silly Christmas jumpers, hats, gloves and scarves. The more silly Christmas jumpers we see, the better.

“It sets everyone up for the Christmas period and puts them in the right frame of mind.”

The event was cancelled two years ago due to heavy snow, but with good weather forecast Mrs Holland is confident this year’s event will go ahead.

Fairground rides will include Santa’s sleigh ride, which made its debut last year. Children will have the opportunity to visit Father Christmas in his grotto.

There will be performances by Newark Town Band and singers from Toot Hill School.

Charities and organisations, including Bingham Rotary Club, the Royal British Legion, Help For Heroes and 1st Bingham Scouts, will have stalls at the event.

The evening will start at 5pm when the Mayor of Bingham, Tracey Kerry, switches on the Christmas lights.

The Mayor of Rushcliffe, Mr Irving Korn, is due to attend.

The event is expected to end at 8pm.