Shop locally to support independent businesses as Christmas cheer goes all out this year with Newark Christmas light switch-on

The countdown to Christmas officially gets under way in Newark this weekend with the switching on of the town's Christmas lights.

Hundreds of people are expected to be in the Market Place on Sunday for the first full Christmas lights switch-on event since before the start of the covid pandemic.

It is the first of a series of events organised by Newark Town Council to bring more visitors into the town centre over the festive period to support businesses.

Laura Cook, an organiser for the Shop Newark campaign, said: "Any event that brings extra footfall into the town is good for independent businesses and helps to highlight what the town has to offer.

"There has always been a positive response from retailers in the past and people really enjoy the buzz that it creates.

"We would encourage people to shop in person rather than online and shop locally if they can. You get the interaction and the expertise of the shop workers and you'd be surprised at what you can find.

"I also think it's really important to support the hospitality and local businesses that did so much to support us throughout the pandemic.

"If people don't shop locally and instead continue to shop online as the first port of call, then the local businesses that we want to keep will disappear."

Ian Harrison, markets manager, said: "It's important to provide free events like this to help support retailers and provide joy to the public at this very difficult time, especially for families with young children. But we do try and cater for all ages.

"I'd encourage people, when and where they can, to shop locally and support retailers as this is a very important time of year for them."

Plans for the town centre over the Christmas period include a fully booked marketplace with over 100 stalls and speciality days including craft and steampunk markets .

"Gifts, crafts, food, you name it, we offer it." Ian said.

As well as market events, there are other attractions planned to bring in the visitors during December.

Newark Parish Church will be decked for the delights of the Christmas Tree Festival.

Around 120 trees will be decorated by community organisations, schools and businesses to go on display from December 3 to 11.

Cinderella will go to the ball with the classic pantomime running from December 6 to 31 at Newark Palace theatre offering a range of ticket options and timings.

Finally, as part of the National Civil War Centre’s Year Of Play initiative, Newark and Sherwood residents will be able to have free entry to the museum on Appletongate from December 22 to 31.

As part of the effort to encourage the public to shop locally Newark and Sherwood District Council announced the return of free Sunday parking at all pay and display car parks managed by the council over the Christmas period.

Free Sunday parking will be available for the day of the Christmas light switch-on on November 27 as well as December 4, 11 and 18.