Mansfield District Council has announced a new Christmas festival for the town. ChristmasFest will take place on West Gate on Sunday 22 November from 10am to 5pm, offering a full day of free festive entertainment and family activities.
The event will feature live performances across two stages, traditional Christmas music, arts and crafts, fairground rides, a snow globe and a 20-foot Christmas tree outside the buttercross. A Christmas light display will also be on show. The festival is being organised by Mansfield District Council in partnership with Four Seasons Shopping Centre and Mansfield BID, with support and sponsorship from Bill Taylor and local businesses.
Why West Gate?
The festival is being held on West Gate due to ongoing regeneration works in Mansfield Market Place. The council said this location allows residents to enjoy a memorable Christmas celebration in a prominent town centre location while improvement works continue elsewhere.
What to expect
The centrepiece will be a real Christmas tree, designed to create a traditional festive atmosphere and provide a backdrop for photographs. Due to the size and limited space of the area, there will not be a switch-on event. Instead, opportunities will be available throughout the day for people to see the tree and take photos.
Several pop-up events will also take place in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, including Santa's Grotto.
Councillor Craig Whitby, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance, said: "Christmas is always a special time in Mansfield and we are delighted to be bringing a brand-new Christmas Festival to Mansfield and to Westgate this year. Working alongside Four Seasons and Mansfield BID, we are creating a fantastic day of festive entertainment for residents and visitors of all ages."
Jay Rowlinson, Chief Executive of Mansfield BID, added: "We are delighted to be a part of this new event. This will be a really good boost for the local traders and businesses as we gear up for Christmas."
Further details about the entertainment programme and attractions will be announced in the coming weeks. Residents are encouraged to save the date for Sunday 22 November.