Ashfield District Council has released the dates of this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-on events, which are returning to Sutton, Kirkby, and Hucknall in November.

All three events will feature funfair rides, an entertainment stage featuring performances from local talent, free face painting, and Santa and his sleigh.

This year, three Christmas markets will fill the town centres with food and drink — featuring traders from Ashfield Food and Drink Festival — as well as local businesses and residents selling gifts, and crafts.

The events will finish with the official lights switch-on of Christmas trees, featuring 3D lighting.

Events will be held on:

Sutton — Thursday 17th, 4.30pm-7.30pm, Market Place Car Park.
Kirkby —Thursday 24th, 4.30pm-7.30pm, Kirkby Plaza and Ellis Street.
Hucknall — Wednesday 30th, 4pm-7.30pm, Hucknall Market Place Car Park and High Street.

Coun Rachel Madden, executive lead member for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, said: “We can’t wait to see our town centres buzzing with thousands of visitors once again. Our Christmas lights switch-on events are always hugely popular and we are excited to host three fun-filled events.

“The council’s Summer of Fun was a successful series of free family events and the Christmas events will be an excellent conclusion of the council’s events programme.

“Christmas officially starts in Ashfield in November, so join us as we spread the festive magic across the district with our annual Christmas celebrations.”