Get ready for Christmas in Kettering

11 November 2022

The streets of Kettering will be lit up once again as North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) hosts the annual light switch on Thursday 24 November between 4pm and 8pm.

This year’s lights will be switched on by, Coronation Street star, Samia Longchambon, alongside representatives from NNC.

The event in the town will be hosted by local community radio station Shire Sounds at Kettering Market Place. Kettering’s festive celebrations will include live performance from Starlight Dance, the stars of Sleeping Beauty at the Masque theatre, singing performance by female trio vocalists the Hotsie Totsies and No Angels band on stage, plus a fun fair.

YouthWorks and Johnny’s Happy Place Lantern Parade will once again conclude at the Market Place to join the celebrations. There will also be Kettering Lions’ Santa Sleigh, street performers and a Festive Fair at St Peter and St Paul’s Church.

We are so looking forward to seeing the lights being turned on in Kettering to herald the start of the festive season. It’ll great to bring the community together, with a range of entertainment on offer - from live music through to dance and, of course, the big light switch on. I really hope you are able to join us.Cllr Helen Howell, Deputy Leader of North Northamptonshire Council and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism

The last few years have been difficult for town centres and events like this really do make a difference, encouraging further footfall through our town centres and shoppers to our excellent high streets.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

As part of the Christmas festivities, and to support local business, NNC will be offering free parking in Kettering and Corby town centre on the following days in December:

• All day on Saturday 3,10 and 17 December 2022 
• After 3pm on Thursday 24 November (existing measure in place in Kettering)

The lights switch on in Kettering will also kick off a season of festive events across the town, with Christmas markets set to take place on Saturday 26 November, 3, 10 and 17 December and Santa’s Lapland Lodge from Sunday 27 November to Saturday 24 December (on selected days).

Also, from Saturday 26 November to Saturday 24 December, there will be a 12 Days of Christmas Trail throughout the town centre, simply pick up a trail sheet from Kettering Swimming Pool. 

Details of Wellingborough’s light switch on will be announced next week.

More information about Christmas events across North Northamptonshire is available on the Christmas pages of our website.