Car parks were packed and shops bustling, while stalls and entertainers were busy in the many venues taking part around the town.
There were stalls, music and funfair rides in Eastgate car park, as well as more entertainment and stalls in Navigation Yard, White Hart Mews, Riverside Precinct, the Legionnaires Club, Bristol Arcade, The Source, Sleaford Indoor Market and the Market Place.
Plus families enjoyed the festive makers market across Saturday and Sunday in the Hub and the two-day tree festival of nearly 70 decorated Christmas trees at the Methodist Church. There was also a children’s disco at The Yard Venue and fun children’s activities at The Source.
The day was topped off with a Christingle service on stage with William Alvey School pupils and Rev Philip Johnson of St Denys’ Church, followed by Lincolnshire Vocal Academy choir performing and the Mayor Coun Alison Snookes switching on the town’s festive lights to cheers from the assembled crowd.
The event was compered by Town Crier John Griffiths and kicked off with a piece by Sleaford’s Poet Laureate, Julie Street.
A representative of Sleaford Town Council, which coordinated the market, thanked everyone for such an absolutely fantastic turnout and for everyone who took part and supported the event.
They said: “It was lovely to see so many people in the town visiting all the events that were being held! We saw so many happy faces all through the day and heard some wonderful comments!
“The atmosphere was so joyful and we hope that everyone loves the Christmas lights as much as we do!”

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Joseph Allison, 13, and Jess Allison, nine, from Metheringham admiring the decorated tree created by Sleaford Library staff at the tree festival. Photo: Andy Hubbert

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Samantha Bryant was involved in three trees at the decorated Christmas tree festival at the Methodist Church: Rainbow Stars, Billinghay Community Pool (with Billy the Frog) and Sleaford 3rd St Denys' Beaver Scouts. Photo: Andy Hubbert

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Crowds in Sleaford Market Place for the entertainment. Photo: Andy Hubbert

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Emelia Wierzbicka, from Spalding, with her sculpted candle stall, Gryfny Gyszynk, in the Riverside Precinct. Photo: Andy Hubbert


