Kirkham is to host its biggest ever festive market as the historic Fylde town gears up for a very merry Christmas.
More than 40 stalls – packed with festive cheer and wonderful gifts and treats – will line the high street on Saturday November 27 as the town’s Christmas lights are switched on.
It is a welcome return for Kirkham’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On after last year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic.
With this year’s focus very much on bringing the local community and families together safely, organisers have arranged a sparkling array of fun which will run between 11am and 7pm.
Along with the market stalls – which will not only be situated in Market Square but right along Poulton Street – there will be:
• Festive food and drink
• Live music from street performers situated around the town – including the Worldwise Samba Drummers performing two sets (between 1pm and 2pm)
• Santa Claus (between 2pm and 3pm)
• Snow machine
• Cartoon characters The Grinch and The Christmas Elves (between 2pm to 5pm) – a great photo opportunity!
• Davey Dee children’s entertainer (between 11.30am – 12.30pm)
• Festive Firework Finale
Karl Swan, Chair of the Kirkham’s Christmas Lights, said the volunteers behind the event were delighted to be bringing the switch-on back this year. He said: “We are so happy to be able to announce Kirkham’s Christmas Switch-On event is back for 2021!
“It was bitterly disappointing to have to cancel last year’s event after such successful switch-ons in 2018 and 2019, when 2,000 people attended each event. Unlike previous years, which have been about a big party in Market Square, we have decided to incorporate as much of the town centre as we can. Therefore, we are delighted to reveal Kirkham will be hosting its biggest ever Christmas market.
“Not only will Lancashire Artisan Traders be bringing a number of stalls here, but many of the local shops will also come out onto the high street to join the fun. It’s going to be a real festive celebration There will be lots for families to enjoy in a safe and secure way before the day is rounded off by a firework finale.”
Poulton Street will be closed throughout the event to help create a safe and secure space for people to browse the market stalls and enjoy the fun. Local traders, who support the festive lights through sponsoring illuminated Christmas trees on the high street, have welcomed the return of the Switch-On.
Heidi Hopkinson, co-owner of Serendipity House gift shop on Poulton Street, Chair of Kirkham Business Group and member of the Switch-On committee, said: “It has been such a tough couple of years for local businesses and the community. Kirkham, like every town, missed its big Christmas event last year.
“The emphasis this year is on families and the local community so it would be great to see as many local people as possible head onto the high street on Saturday November 27 and enjoy a really festive and fun day out celebrating our wonderful town.”
The Christmas Elves and The Grinch will be on hand to meet families and pose for photographs while the firework display will begin at 6.30pm.
