Bottesford Parish Council

On Friday 2 December, the town centre will also host the Melton Christmas Light Switch On event, with the Christmas tree and the lights throughout the town centre being turned on at 6:45pm by Mayor Alan Hewson and some very special guests, illuminating the town for December.

Councillor Rob Bindloss, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity, said "It's wonderful to see the Christmas Market being able to return this year, along with multiple other events. The annual event is a marvellous way to start the festive season in Melton.

"We are proud to be working with partners such as the Melton BID and Melton Mowbray Town Estate to bring the festive spirit to the town during December and I encourage everyone to come and enjoy the entertainment on offer and support our local businesses."

Shelagh Core, Manager of the Melton BID said "Melton's Christmas Weekend is an established three-day event and one of the biggest events for our town centre, which continues to attract more and more visitors every year. We're excited that we will also be bringing back the Christmas Light Switch On event to the town centre this year, with a full line up of entertainment throughout the day and late-night shopping.

"With music and family entertainment, it's going to be the perfect weekend to enjoy some Christmas gift buying and local shopping, whilst also indulging in a drink or lunch in one of our many cafes, restaurants and bars. Don't forget to use the Melton Free Wi-Fi and download the Melton Town App too when you're visiting, for a full directory of your local shops and businesses."

As well as the annual market and light switch on, there will be plenty of events and attractions in the town for visitors and residents to enjoy over the December period, including the:

• St Mary's Church's spectacular annual Christmas Tree Festival from Friday 2 December to Tuesday 6 December, which will see the church filled, once more, with a wide range dazzling Christmas trees decorated by local residents, organisations and businesses.

• Melton Crib Festival in the Sage Cross Methodist Church on Saturday 3 December and Sunday 4 December 11am until 4pm, with hot drinks and mince pies.

• Wreath Making Competition and Festival at St John's Church on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December, 10am until 4pm.

• Vintage Christmas Market at the Toy Soldiers Band Room, Wilton Road, on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December, which includes a vintage tearoom.

• The Mayor's Christmas Carol concert at St Mary's Church, on Thursday 8 December starting at 6.30pm.

• Melton Mowbray Christmas Folk Trail on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December from 12pm to 10pm.

• Christmas Vintage and Classic Car meet in the town centre on Sunday 18 December 10am to 4pm. Which will also see multiple shops open for last minute Christmas shopping and a Christmas gift wrapping service will be available, courtesy of the BID's Melton Elves.

A detailed list of the events taking place across the borough throughout December, including the local pantomimes, can be found on www.discovermelton.com. If you wish to add your event to the list, please email discover@melton.gov.uk with the details.

Visitors will also have the perfect opportunity to visit the town during December, as free parking is available in all of Melton Borough Council's Long Stay car parks on the first 4 Fridays in December (the 2nd, 9th, 16th and the 23rd). » Less