Hinckley is set to welcome the festive season in spectacular fashion later this month with its annual Christmas lights switch-on event, expected to draw thousands of visitors to the town centre.
A Night of Illumination and Festive Cheer
The main event takes place on Friday, November 21, with festivities kicking off at 4pm. The ceremonial turning on of the town centre's main lights will be performed by the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Cllr Richard Flemming, and consort, alongside Council Leader Cllr Stuart Bray at 6.30pm in Market Place, with the event hosted by local radio station Fosse 107.
Adding to the magic, the popular Lights in the Mead display will also be activated. This stunning installation features an incredible 25,000 lights spanning 2.5 kilometres. The lights will be turned on in zones from 5pm, with the final zone illuminating at 6.30pm, synchronising with the main switch-on. Once lit, the displays will brighten the town each evening from approximately 4pm to 11.30pm until January 6, 2026.
A Full Programme of Festive Entertainment
Visitors can enjoy a packed schedule of activities. Santa’s grotto will be located outside Jasper's on Castle Street, with a £5 charge (cash only) to visit, with proceeds supporting Against Breast Cancer.
The celebrations will also feature:
- Two live music stages, including new for this year, performances at the Argents Mead bandstand.
- A festive food and drink area, primarily located in the Church Walk Car Park.
- Street entertainment throughout the evening, including a gingerbread man, a baker, and cheeky elves.
- Funfair rides at the traditional Tin Hat Fair on Regent Street and extra rides in Trinity East car park.
- Children's crafts and late-night shopping in the town's stores.
Hinckley United Reformed Church on The Borough will be open from 4.30pm to 7.30pm, offering free children’s Christmas craft activities and hosting the council’s coat exchange rail.
Practical Information for Your Visit
To accommodate the new layout, Church Walk and part of Station Road will be closed from 4pm to 9pm on the Friday. Church Walk Car Park will be fully closed from midnight on November 20 until 10pm on November 21.
In a boost for shoppers, parking will be free from 3pm in all council-run car parks, including The Hub, on the day of the lights switch-on (November 21). This free parking will also be available all day on subsequent Saturdays: November 29 and December 6, 13, and 20.
Council Leader, Cllr Stuart Bray, said: "The Christmas lights switch on is always one of the most popular events of the year and with the return of Lights in the Mead we are all looking forward to an evening of festive cheer and the opportunity to support local businesses."
He also highlighted a special Christmas lights car trail on Wednesday, December 3 from 6pm to 8pm, offering a quieter opportunity for elderly and less mobile residents to enjoy the displays from the comfort of their vehicles.
