Town's Christmas festival programme announced

Great Grimsby Christmas Festival is returning to the town for another year

A full programme of events for Grimsby's big festive celebration has been announced.

Great Grimsby Christmas Festival will return to the town on Saturday from 12:00 until 19:00 GMT with live entertainment, a market and family-friendly activities.

Highlights of the afternoon will include the Grimsby light parade at 17:15 and the Christmas tree lighting at 17:45 in St James' Square.

Councillor Stewart Swinburn urged people to "not to miss out on what is sure to be a great evening".

At Grimsby Minster, there will be free face painting and crafts hosted by North East Lincolnshire Council's fostering team.

There will also be a place for children to their own Christmas poems to turn in to baubles to hang on the Minister's Christmas tree.

Visitors will also be encouraged to donate gifts as part of the Host A Heart campaign, which is running from 10 November until 17 December.

North East Lincolnshire Council has partnered with Stagecoach to offer £1.50 bus journeys to the event as part of the Leisure Scheme.

The discounted prices will be offered throughout the Christmas period until the New Year after 18:00 on weekdays and all day on weekends.

Swinburn said: "We want to help people out where we can and this gives them a way to get around the borough without having to worry about fuel or parking."

Stalls with handmade gifts and crafts will be at the Christmas festival

The main stage at St James' Square will feature live music throughout the afternoon from local artists.

The community stage at Riverhead Square will be hosting carols with All For One Choir, Grimsby Symphony Orchestra and Back to Brass.

More than 30 local artisan's stalls will be selling gifts at the Merry Makers' Market on both St James' Square and Riverhead Square.

Festive food and drink options, including German sausages, Yorkshire pudding wraps, mulled wine and Baileys hot chocolate, will be on offer.

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