Newark’s Christmas market will be a “full programme of seasonal activity” after cancellation of the Christmas Lights Switch On event due to Storm Bert

After bad weather put a dampener on festivities last month, Newark’s Christmas market will be a “full programme of seasonal activity”, say organisers.

Following the cancellation of the Christmas Lights Switch On event due to Storm Bert, the emphasis now moves to the Christmas Markets on Saturday and Sunday (December 7 and 8) where over 100 stalls will be running on each of the two days.

There will be live music from some of the best music acts in the region, seasonal street food and varied entertainment.

Ian Harrison, Markets Manager for the Town Council said: “This year’s two-day event promises to be our best ever with the Children’s Bereavement Centre and Newark College staging the Santa Run at 12noon on the Saturday and on the Sunday the Steampunk torchlit procession being lead by 15 seasonally decorated tractors and the Nottinghamshire Pipes and Drums band and a unique steampunk vehicle.

In addition, on the Sunday, for those physically able and willing, there will be the Beaumond House Hospice Reindeer Rodeo!”

The music acts will offer something for all with unique Steampunk acts and not least the best of local bands from across the County including Band From County Hell.

School choirs will perform as well as performances by local dance and drama academies.

And all of this under the new and fantastic Christmas Lights Display, which we hope provides Newark with yet another Christmas Spectacle.”

The event on Saturday will include a normal Market and will start from 9am to 4pm and on Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

Town clerk Matthew Gleadell said: “It was with great disappointment that we had to cancel the Xmas Lights Switch On due to the severe weather warnings, but we feel that the Christmas Markets offer this year will at least go some way to easing that disappointment.

“We welcome everyone to come along over the weekend, enjoy the market and entertainment and visit the many fantastic shops, market stalls and hospitality venues that Newark offers.”