Festive Family Day coming to Scunthorpe

To kickstart Christmas in Scunthorpe, a Festive Family Day is being held in the town centre on Saturday 27 November.

Santa’s Grotto

Santa will make his way to his grotto at St John’s Market at 10 am, with Santa’s reindeer making a magical appearance in Foundry Square at 12 pm.

Santa’s Grotto will open on 27 November from 10.30 am to 4 pm, costing £7 per person and will open daily from 10am until 4pm every Tuesday to Saturday throughout Christmas (closed Sundays and Mondays).

Children can step into the world of Narnia, through the magical wardrobe into the woods, where they will be greeted by Santa.

Popular pantomime star, Annie Fanny and other cast members will be there to welcome Santa to his grotto.

In the town centre

On Cole Street and Foundry Square, live entertainment to get you in the festive spirit will include:

• Performance from Rachel Day
• Festive jazz music by Mark Ellis
• Performance from Brandon Hunt
• Barton Community Brass Band
• Meet the festive unicorn and dragon
• Ice Queen, Dream a Little Dream by Sarah Stones will be performing
• Bubble Ray, multiple Guinness World Record soap bubble professional
• Scunthorpe Cadets Band

Jack Frost street performers, Bumble Bee and Optimus Prime will meet and greet shoppers.

Free festive activities include a snow globe, ice blizzard and Rodeo Reindeer, with the Christmas lights being switched on around 4.30 pm.

Children’s festive trail

To celebrate the launch of the new free children’s festive trail, every child will receive a free glitter tattoo from St John’s Market on 27 November between 10am and 4pm.

Simply find the 10 safari animal posters located in and around the town and scan the QR codes. The trail will run until 6 January. Start the trail by going to www.highstreetsafari.com/santaneedsyou.

To take part simply:

• Visit the website to see the trail map.
• Visit the Christmas hopefuls one by one, in any order.
• Scan each of their unique QR codes with your smartphone, learn more of the story and take a selfie with them.
• When you’ve found them all, download your free e-book to learn who wins and the conclusion of the story.

Scunthorpe Foodfest

Scunthorpe FoodFest is also returning to the town centre from Thursday 25 November until 27 November on Scunthorpe High Street. Sample a range of mouth-watering local produce and festive treats for the whole family.

Virtual Christmas Market 

Last year’s virtual market was so successful in linking crafters and small businesses up with customers, it has returned for a second year.

Hosted on Facebook, all businesses have to be North Lincolnshire-based, so every purchase helps local people and the local economy. Visit the market at www.facebook.com/groups/nlvirtualxmasmarket.

Considering ongoing concerns about the high local Covid-19 infection rate those attending the Festive Family Day are reminded of hands – face – space to ensure they keep safe and well.

Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:

“It is wonderful that we are able to hold our annual Christmas event this year in Scunthorpe town centre for families to enjoy. The Christmas lights being switched on signifies the Christmas period beginning in North Lincolnshire.

“This year, Christmas is going to be that extra special by being able to spend time with family and friends.

“The Festive Family Day has something for all the family and is certain to spread some Christmas cheer, so make sure you don’t miss out. You’ll also be able to make a start on you Christmas shopping.

“Despite not being able to have the Christmas events last year, the Virtual Christmas Market was a huge success in connecting local traders with customers. This is returning for a second year to support local crafters and small businesses. Now more than ever it is important that we shop local to support the local economy.”