Santa Claus comes to North Lincolnshire for the Christmas lights switch on

The event will kick off at 5pm in Church Square as families flock to see Father Christmas and watch some special performances.

Lincs FM’s Rob Hammond and Ross Garrigan will keep the crowds entertained along with Annie Fanny, Wilbur the Bear and Father Christmas.

Grace Bowers and the Song for Christmas competition winners will also be performing - bringing you a bit of Christmas cheer.

The lights will be switched on at 6.30pm by the Mayor of North Lincolnshire, Councillor Helen Rowson, Father Christmas and all the other special guests.

The event will be brought to a close as the lights come on and the fabulous fireworks light up the night’s sky, followed by music from the 119 Squadron, Air Training Corps.

The Christmas lights switch also on marks the start of late-night shopping in Scunthorpe town centre. Don’t forget you can park free for two hours from 4pm on late night shopping nights and free all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

That’s not it for the Christmas fun in Scunthorpe though. In the weeks up to Christmas children can show off their artistic talents and enter the Christmas colouring competition. Colouring sheets can be collected from traders at Scunthorpe Market.

Entries can be received in the special Christmas post box on The Podium @ Scunthorpe Market from Friday November 20. The winners will receive their prizes on The Podium on Saturday 19 December.

Get in the festive mood with all the Christmas fun at The Podium @ Scunthorpe Market from Friday November 27. Have your photo taken in the photo booth and create a special Christmas picture for your loved ones as a little extra free gift. Visit The Podium from 9am until 4pm on:

Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November

Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December

Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December

Father Christmas will also be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit children in North Lincolnshire with the help of Scunthorpe Lions. Families will be able to visit Santa in his grotto at North Lincolnshire Museum every Saturday from November 28 until Tuesday December 22.

Councillor Liz Redfern, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Christmas is a magical time of the year and Scunthorpe lights switch on is a wonderful way to get in the Christmas spirit. This is a brilliant event for families to come together and have fun. We’ve got some great performances planned; including the winner of the Song for Christmas competition, which I am really looking forward to seeing. Pop along and join in the Christmas cheer before getting ahead with your Christmas shopping.

“This year even more free parking is available, so make sure you take advantage of this and visit the great shops in Scunthorpe, Brigg and Ashby to buy your Christmas presents.”

Call the Museum on 01724 843533 for more details.