Bright launch for partnership’s ‘Light Up Rasen’ campaign

Market Rasen Town Partnership is determined to provide a memorable 2020 Christmas for local residents and has organised a number of events to lift spirits.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing, many of traditional events –formal light switch-on, carol services, carol singing, Santa in the Market Place etc – cannot take place this year.

However, the success of the recent pop-up markets in the town has given the partnership the confidence to go ahead with a specially designed programme of festive events.

As previously reported, one thing at the top of the list is to spread brightness and goodwill at the close of this very different year

Chair of the Market Rasen Town Partnership and Town Councillor, Coun Stephen Bunney said: “It is hoped that the events will continue the community based events of earlier in the year in spreading joy, happiness and, above all, kindness; collectively bringing a smile to the local residents”.

As reported last month, investment is being made in more decorative lights for the town.

An appeal was put out to help fund the cost of the lights, with donation boxes in local shops and requests made to charitable groups and businesses.

Coun Bunney said: “It looks like we have the money to buy lights to go the length of the main street and beyond.

“We are grateful to those who have made donations and we hope everyone enjoys the results.”

Planned programme:

Sunday November 29

Installation of festoons of coloured lights along the main shopping streets.

Wednesday December 2

Installation of Christmas tree and Market Square lights.

Thursday December 3

Installation of Christmas trees and lights above the retail units, at Rhodes crossroads and De Aston Field

Saturday December 5

Noon to 6pm in the Market Place, Market Rasen’s socially distanced Christmas Market and Charity Event, with a unique ‘bright’ light display performance in the Market Place from 3.30pm to 6pm.

Santa Claus will be in attendance too!

Festive waffles, burgers, glühwein and other drinks will also be served from street stalls throughout the event.

To help support and involve local businesses during the Christmas Market, and throughout December, the town partnership is planning a directory of all the outlets in town – summarising their opening times, Christmas offers.

They have also been invited by Market Rasen Action Group (MRAG) to participate in a Virtual Christmas Market.

Christmas competitions

There will be three competitions organised during December with a ‘Light Up Rasen for Christmas’ theme.

1. A shop window competition

In addition to the Tesco Trophy, MRAG Market Rasen Action will be presenting their trophy and prize based on a vote by local residents.

2. A best ‘lit’ garden/house competition, with a trophy and prize presented by MRAG members.

3. A trail/treasure hunt based on items found in the windows of local businesses.

There will be prizes for the winning entries.

Theew will be a Best Decorated Face Covering competition on the day of the market.

There will be prizes for the winning entries.

To support local businesses, all prizes will be in the form of money vouchers valid only in local Independent retailers.

MRAG is also arranging a Living Advent Calendar, where 24 local house windows will be decorated and then opened up one by one, daily from the December 1 to 24.

Christmas Week events

There will be three Christmas-related distributions to local residents

Sunday December 20 - boxes of Christmas Teatime Goodies for nominated residents

December 22 to 24 - Christmas parcels for the under 7s.

December 25 - Salvation Army’s traditional Christmas Day meal delivered.