Free festive fun starts at the market today

A PROGRAMME of free festive fun gets under way at Warrington Market today (Friday) with four jam-packed weeks of special events, family entertainment and extended opening hours, including Sundays from December 2.
First up is “aLIVE After Five”, which sees the market open up until 7pm every Friday until Christmas.
Each week there will be live music, hot food, festive drinks, kids seasonal crafts and plenty of shopping opportunities, with many stalls offering special “on the night only” discounts.
Saturday December 1 – 22 will see the return of the only town centre Christmas grotto, as Santa sets up home inside the market, in aid on Warrington Disability Partnership.
The Christmas Geeky Market, which is billed as the “alternative Christmas Market”, pops up on December 8 with all manner of geek culture, collectables, artwork and unusual gifts for those hard-to-buy-for relatives.
On December 15 the hugely popular ‘Big Winter Lego Build’ returns with free play Lego, treasure hunts, Lego crafting activities and costume characters.
Warrington Male Voice Choir and local harmony group Vocal Infinity, will also be bringing some festive cheer with special performances.
Warrington Borough Council’s lead member for culture and partnerships, Cllr Dan Price, said: “The market is essential to the ongoing revitalisation and cultural offer in the town centre and it’s great to see such a diverse programme of Christmas activity this year.
“There’s so much to enjoy, with something for everyone, and I’m looking forward to the market being alive with Christmas cheer over the coming weeks.
“We recognise that the retail high street is changing at a rapid rate, so it’s fantastic that traders are exploring alternative opening hours as we move ever closer to the completion of our new market in spring 2020.”
The “aLIVE After Five” promotion and Sunday opening hours provide opportunities for those customers who would like to use the new temporary market, but may find it difficult during traditional trading hours.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/warringtonretailmarket, or www.facebook.com/warringtonartisanmarket or e-mail [email protected] or call 01925 632571.