West Norfolk is getting ready to start Christmas in style with fantastic festive switch-on events planned for Hunstanton, King’s Lynn and Downham Market.

Hunstanton - Sunday 20 November:

Hunstanton will be the first to welcome Santa Claus as he rides into town on his sleigh on Sunday 20 November. Children can visit him in his grotto on Westgate    (the Searles shop next to Top Cat and Tails) between 1-5 pm. Entry costs £3 and each child will receive a gift.

From 12 noon the high street will be a hive on activity. There will be craft stalls so shoppers can pick up some unique stocking-fillers and there will be a mini fun fair for children. Live music from band DNA and performances by Frank Sinatra tribute act Cliff Alman and the Lavender Hill Mob will keep shoppers entertained before the grand parade. This year the parade will include the Borough Mayor Cllr Colin Sampson, Hunstanton Town Mayor Cllr Carol Bower, local pantomime stars, the Hunstanton Carnival Queen, members of the Mini Car Club, The Honda Goldwings and Santa Claus, of course! The cavalcade will parade in the lead up to the grand switch-on at 5 pm.

King’s Lynn - Thursday 24 November:

With a wave of her magic wand King’s Lynn Corn Exchange panto Fairy Godmother, Letitia Dean, ably assisted by the ugly sisters, will set King’s Lynn’s streets aglow with seasonal light on switch-on evening, Thursday 24 November. KLFM 96.7 breakfast presenter, Adam Newstead, will be on hand in the Tuesday Market Place from 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm to entertain visitors and help to get them in the festive spirit. There will also be stalls, where shoppers can pick up unique Christmas gifts, and children’s rides.

The main switch-on takes place at 7 pm. After the countdown shoppers can stay in town to enjoy the lights and start their Christmas shopping, as late night opening hours begin (participating shops will be open until 9 pm on Thursday evenings from 24 November to 22 December.).

Downham Market - Sunday 27 November:

Choirs, chestnuts, mulled wine and Santas galore guarantee that the Downham Market switch-on will be a fun-filled festive treat!
Activities begin at 2pm. There will be a children’s fun fair, a double-decker bus filled with soft play games for youngsters and a rodeo Rudolph to test visitors’ balance and keep the cold at bay!

Choirs from Clackclose and Hillcrest primary schools will be joined by Hilgay Silver Band and the Downham Market High School Jazz Band to fill the air with festive tunes. And if that wasn’t enough to wake the Christmas spirit, mulled wine will be available in the town square, hot chestnuts will be on sale and there is even a scattering of (fake) snow expected.

Whilst soaking up the atmosphere shoppers can browse the craft fair and pick up seasonal gifts from the stalls. Some pitches are still available. For more information please call 01366 387147 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            01366 387147      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or 01366 387770 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            01366 387770      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

From 2.15 pm the town will be filled with red-suited fellows dashing through the streets as Ryston Runners’ Santa Fun Run begins. The fun run is in aid of Robert Foot Leukaemia and will see participants make two laps of the town centre. Entry costs £8 for adults and includes a Santa suit, and £5 for under-13s, who will receive flashing antlers! Registration forms are available from businesses in the town (Sew Inn and Winning Ways). Participants can also register on the day in the town square from 2pm.

The ‘real’ Santa Claus will drop into Downham Market at 2.30 pm. After riding his sleigh through the town centre he will head to his grotto at Downham Town Hall (bar room) where children can visit him from 3 pm. Each child will receive a present. The grotto is free to enter.

The grand switch-on takes place at 4.30 pm.

The switch-on events have been organised by the town councils and chambers of trade from Hunstanton and Downham Market, along with the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk. The Lions have also assisted with the Downham Market event. The Vancouver Quarter and Chicago Rock Cafe have assisted with the King's Lynn event.