All you need to know about Chesterfield's Christmas lights switch-on

The annual event, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, gets underway with a market, games, fairground rides and entertainment from noon.

Youngsters will also have the opportunity to meet children’s favourite Peppa Pig in Rykneld Square at 11am, 12.20pm, 1.40pm and 3pm.

Chesterfield Market Hall will also be open from 11am to 6pm on the day with selected traders open.

Children will be able to meet Santa in the Market Hall from noon to 4pm. Santa will be upstairs on the mezzanine level, overlooking the sales hall. A visit to Santa will cost £3.50 and each child will receive a present.

Many of the independent and high street shops in the town centre will also be open to allow people to stock up on special Christmas items.

The Christmas lights stage show in New Square gets underway at 3.30pm with presenters from Peak FM hosting the show offering opportunities for people to join in the fun.

Stars from Aladdin, this year’s pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre will be on stage including Lee Brennan, lead singer of late 90s boy band 911 who plays Aladdin; Keith and Ben Simmons who play the Chinese Policemen and Greg Ashton who plays Dame Gladys Twankey.

The lights will be switched on a at 4.45pm by Chesterfield mayor, Councillor Steve Brunt, with panto star Lee Brennan and Peppa Pig.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Each year our Christmas lights event gets bigger and better and this year is no exception.

“We hold the event each year as part of the council’s commitment to hosting fun, family-friendly events and it’s a great opportunity for families to come together and get into the festive spirit.

“It’s also a great opportunity to bring people into the town centre and support the vast array of Chesterfield businesses by shopping local for their Christmas presents.”