Lighting up Herefordshire's Market Towns
Fun-filled festive events as the Christmas lights are switched on for the season
Mulled wine and carols, R&B and dinosaurs – Herefordshire sure knows how to host a Christmas party. From the classic to the offbeat, take your pick of the family-friendly events taking place in each market town as they celebrate their Christmas lights switch on.
Bromyard’s Bash
When: Saturday 15 November, 12.15pm – 6.30pm (approx.)
Local to Bromyard or not, for a truly epic afternoon of festivities, it’s well worth visiting this pretty little market town for their annual parade and lights-on celebration. Whether you’re into choirs, bands, theatre, you won’t be short on live performances to enjoy, with a huge range of acts throughout the event. Nab a few stocking fillers at the street market, and, if you think you’ve been good, pop by Santa’s Grotto to put in your present requests (book in advance). Lights switch-on at 5pm.
Hereford’s Hurrah
When: Sunday 16 November 12pm – 6pm
Over in Hereford, the city’s Christmas Lights Switch-On is a massive community event. Get ahead on the present-front and browse over 50 festive market stalls. There’s plenty for younger visitors to enjoy, too – with free face-painting, lego play and colouring activities, plus the chance to meet Mr and Mrs Claus in their grotto as well as medieval knights in amour wandering around town. Watch the city light up at 5pm to the sound of the Highland Bagpiper.
Ledbury’s Lark
When: Sunday 23 November, 12pm – 5.30pm
Lined with its historic, timber-framed buildings, Ledbury makes for a picture-perfect visit any time of year. But add the twinkle of Christmas lights and some festive spirit and the town transforms into a gingerbread village straight out of a fairytale. Keep the kids entertained with captivating live storytelling, lantern making and crafts, plus the chance to meet Santa. Dance in the streets with live music from The Hey Yahs or march in time to the beat as Ledbury Brass Band takes their turn. And, of course, there’s the usual array of independent shops and some fabulous market stalls to nosy around, too.
Leominster's Light Up
When: Saturday 29th November, 2pm – 6pm
Leominster is well and truly going to be lit up for the festive season. Join the revelry in Corn Square where there'll be free craft activities for little ones, live entertainment, fairground rides, and delicious food on offer. The official big switch-on will take place at 6pm! Wrap up warm, bring the family, and get ready for a magical afternoon.
Kington’s Knees-Up
When: Sunday 30 November, 6pm
For a cosy and Christmassy evening, pop along to Kington’s after-hours celebrations. There’ll be minced pies and plenty of sweet treats waiting when you get there. Father Christmas and his elves will be ready to hear your present requests. Join in with carol singing and keep your hands toasty with a glug of warming mulled wine from the bar.
Ross’s Revelry
When: Sunday 30 November, 11am – 5pm
If Christmas shopping is a top priority, head over to Ross-on-Wye’s Christmas Fair. As well as live music, a lights switch-on ceremony, and all sorts of kids’ activities, there’s a delightful Christmas market with over 80 stalls to explore – perfect if you’re after prezzies that are a bit different. Little ones can pay Father Christmas a visit at the on-site Grotto and should look out for his elves (one of whom is armed with magic tricks) as well as the Grinch himself, who'll be making the rounds throughout the day.
Hay’s Happenings
When: Friday, 28 November, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Hay-on-Wye puts on a jolly event alongside their light switch-on too. Join in with some carol singing, and take your pick of refreshments from the various food stalls. Keep an eye out for Father Christmas, who’ll be driving by in his steam engine before collecting all your Christmas wishes from Hay’s special post box.
