Derby sets out Christmas programme of events

Derby is gearing up to celebrate the beginning of the festive season with a programme of events.

This year's Christmas lights switch-on will be taking place on Saturday 28 November.

The flicking of the festive switch will follow a lantern parade and coincide with the official opening of the city's temporary ice rink.

Derby City Council cabinet member for city centre, culture and tourism Gurkiran Kaur, said: "Christmas is a time for making memories with family and friends, and we're delighted to be bringing a fantastic programme of festive events to Derby once again."

In the run up to the switch-on, Surtal Arts are holding a series of lantern making workshops up until 21 November at the Market Hall and other venues across the city.

These can then be showcased in the free Heroes-themed lantern parade which will gather at St Peter's Church at 17:00 GMT on 28 November.

The switch-on will then take place at 17:30 in the Market Place, where the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink and Nordic Bar will both be up and running until 31 December.

The Cathedral Quarter Santa's Grotto will also open on 28 November, inside the Market Hall.

Children will be able to meet Santa and his elves there and receive a gift until Christmas Eve.

Brad Worley, manager of both the Cathedral Quarter and St Peter's Quarter Business Improvement Districts, said: "Christmas is a special time in Derby, and we're delighted to be supporting Santa's Grotto at Derby Market Hall once again.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for children and families to enjoy the magic of Christmas together while also discovering everything our city centre has to offer."

Derby's family Snow White panto will run at Derby Arena from 4 December until New Year's Eve, while the family show Help! Santa's Missing will run at Chapel Street Arts Centre from 10-23 December.

Christmas lights switch-on events are also planned across Derbyshire.

The Matlock Christmas parade and lights switch-on and the Ashbourne Christmas lights switch-on both take place on Saturday 21 November, while the lights switch-on in Chesterfield will take place on Sunday 22 November.

The Long Eaton lights switch on takes place on Thursday 26 November, with Ilkeston lit up for the festive season the following day, Friday 27 November.

Dronfield Christmas lights switch-on takes place on Friday 27 November, while Swadlincote's Lights Before Christmas event takes place on Saturday 28 November.

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