Crowds spread festive cheer at Spalding’s Christmas celebration

Crowds gathered to get into the festive spirit — and see the town centre’s Christmas lights switched on by special guests.

The Christmas Celebration event in Spalding saw all ages take advantage of the seasonal activities — and engage in some late-night shopping — on Friday night.

South Holland District Council chairman Andrew Woolf enjoyed seeing so many people in the town, he said: “It was wonderful to see so many people. The whole event was great, from the different stalls, fancy dress competition, entertainment – it was a real festive experience.

“The lights look really nice this year and I heard no negativity. Everyone looked as if they were getting into the Christmas spirit – young and old.

“It was lovely that the children had the opportunity to visit Santa in his grotto, and there was a queue from Calthrops Solicitors, past the Pied Calf and to the entrance of the marketplace.

“It’s always lovely to see the marketplace and centre of town full of people and we had a very good turn and we had some real wonderful characters taking part.”

This year’s panto cast from Snow White made a special appearances and turned on the lights with Santa and fancy dress competition winner, Samuel Magale, 7.

Spalding Academy’s rock band, choir, and ukulele choir kept visitors entertained with a night a night filled with musical delight.

Coun Andrew Woolf will be sharing more festive fun this weekend with Spalding’s Halmer Harriers, at the Chairman’s Santa Fun Run event on Sunday, December 8.

The 4.5K run is open to runners, walkers, joggers and strollers and will start at 9.30am at The Castle Swimming Pool Car Park in Spalding – and will be raising money for Blood Cancer UK charity and Spalding Mencap Society.

Participants can take part in warm-up exercises at The Castle Swimming Pool Car Park from 9.30am, before following the route along Pinchbeck Road, West Elloe Avenue – cutting through to Albion Street, across the river, through Market Place and the town centre, turning right along New Road, up Double Street, looping back round town for a second time, along Westlode Street and back to the castle.

Entry costs £5. If you would be interested in taking part make sure to register here.

Did you attend the event? Let us know what you thought in the comments below…