Newark Christmas lights switch-on to take place this Sunday, November 24, with entertainment and Christmas markets organised by Newark Town Council

Excitement is building as Newark prepares to sparkle for the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

The festive season will officially kick off this Sunday (November 24) as Newark’s Christmas lights are officially switched-on, and whether enjoying a mince pie or mulled wine, there will be plenty to entertain the crowds throughout the day.

From 10am to 5.30pm, the town centre will be filled with life, with fair ground rides, carol singing, artisan market stalls inside the Buttermarket and in the Market Place, and on-stage performances in front of the Newark Town Hall.

Then as the clock counts down 5.25pm, spectators will line the streets ready for the main event as the Mayor of Newark, Diane Ledger, takes to the stage and does the honours of switches on Newark’s Christmas lights.

She said: “I look forward to the light switch on every year and this year will be more special as I am Mayor.

“Being Mayor is all about showcasing the wonderful people of Newark, and the light switch does just that.

“The event is a staple in Newark's calendar and it's great to see so many people coming out and enjoying the entertainment and supporting the charities and small businesses that have market stalls.

“This event gets everyone in the Christmas spirit, and there is a real sense of community throughout the day.

“The day provides great footfall within our beautiful Market Place, which helps the local economy, and I look forward to seeing everyone.”

A full itinerary for the stage performances on the day can be found HERE.

The annual event is organised by Newark Town Council, which confirmed that there will be no fireworks display this year.

Town clerk, Matthew Gleadell, said: “As a council we are delighted once again to mark the start of the Christmas period in Newark with the annual free to attend Christmas lights switch-on event.

“Adopting a tried and tested format with a festive market, fair ground rides and live entertainment we have tried to provide something for all.

“Live performances from local school choirs and dance schools, Newark and Sherwood Concert Band, a number of local bands and artists including the ever-popular Band from County Hell will bring a full day of musical and theatrical entertainment to enjoy.”

Once the town has been illuminated, the festive season can officially begin and Newark and Sherwood District Council is keen for people across the district to get out and enjoy themselves.

Council leader, Paul Peacock, said: “Events like the Christmas lights switch-on offer a great chance for us to bring new audiences to our towns and is important for supporting our retail and hospitality sector.

“It’s why we’ve been so supportive in organising many events across the district. In Newark, Newark Creates are leading on a programme of events supported by Newark Town Board’s Newark Heart project, alongside the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

“Elsewhere in the district, we’re supporting the late night shopping and market event in Southwell, on Thursday, November 28, and the Christmas lights switch-on in Ollerton and Boughton, on Friday, November 29.

“Residents can make a real difference this year and choose to shop locally.

“We have amazing independent stores in Newark and across the district so please think about supporting them this year.”

To encourage more people to use shops in town, parking in all district council owned car parks in Newark is being made free on weekends from this Sunday, until December 29.