Victorian Xmas weekend set to illuminate town

Now ranking as one of the biggest and most popular Christmas events in the East Midlands, the weekend is set to transform Hall Leys Park into a historical hive of activity and festive cheer.

This year’s event – to be held from November 30 until December 2 – will play host to 150 stalls in heated marques which will include traditional craft, a new ‘local produce’ marquee, Christmas gifts and festive refreshments – including the ever popular Mulled Wine Stall operated by the Matlock Rotary Club.

Another new edition to this year’s programme is an enlarged outside market featuring festive cookery demonstrations by Sainsbury’s.

The comprehensive entertainment programme includes the Christmas Lights switch-on, by the BBC TV and Radio Weather Presenter Anna Church, who will switch on the Matlock Christmas Lights on Saturday, December 1, at 4.45 p.m.

This will be preceded by a procession through the streets of Matlock, with Father Christmas carried in a coach and horses from Red House Stables from Darley Dale and the Midshipman Carnival Show Band, and some surprise illuminated features.

A feast of family entertainment will be provided by the events entertainment team and will include jugglers, fire eaters, clowns as well as the ever popular robotic entertainers, carnival bands and much more.

Cllr Geoff Stevens, chairman of the organising Committee, said: “We have been working very hard over many months to make this one of the best ever Christmas Weekends we have organised, and we are looking forward to really great weekend. The event will finish on Sunday, December 2 at 5.15pm, with a Christmas Firework Spectacular.”