Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 10 November 2023

HINCKLEY’S Christmas lights are set to be switched on next Friday (17 November), with council bosses expecting thousands to flock on down and watch on in Market Place.

The lights will officially be switched on at 6.30pm by Hinckley and Bosworth Mayor, Coun. Scott Gibbens, who will be assisted by a yet-to-be-revealed ‘special character’.

15 minutes later, at 6.45pm, a ‘spectacular’ four-minute firework display, sponsored by the Showman’s Guild, will take place in the award-winning Argents Mead park.

The event will get underway from 4pm, where town radio station Fosse 107 will warm up crowds with live music performances, recorded music, and radio broadcasts. They will continue to celebrate the spectacle with a party being held through to 8pm.

Some of the live musicians and bands who will bring some holiday cheer to the stage include Dean Thomas, Steven Faulkner, and Hinckley Pride’s Rainbow Singers.

Additionally, market stalls will be held across Castle Street and around the town centre, where children will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself.

As we reported earlier this week, parking will be free across all council-run car parks in the run-up to Christmas, including the day of the light switch-on itself.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Leader, Coun. Stuart Bray, said: “The Christmas lights switch-on is always one of the most popular events of the year. We are all looking forward to an evening of festive cheer and the opportunity to support local businesses. I wish everyone a happy and safe time during what promises to be an unforgettable evening.”