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 16 November, 12pm – 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 lights-on celebrations – a.k.a. Lights Big Party. As the name suggests, there is loads to do. Whether you’re into choirs, bands, or even bellringing, you won’t be short on music to enjoy, with a huge range of acts performing 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). There are a few parades and even a decorated pram, scooter or wheelchair competition, too. Lights switch-on at 5pm.
Hereford’s Hurrah
When: Sunday 17 November 2024, 3pm – 6.30pm
Over in Hereford, the city’s Christmas Lights Switch-On is a massive community event - over 4,000 people attended last year. If you’re into ‘90s music, relive RnB’s golden era as legendary girl group, Eternal, perform their biggest hits. Then, make sure to experience some local musical talent, with Hereford Rock Choir, Lilac Loonies, and One Vision School of Arts also on the bill. There’s plenty for younger visitors to enjoy, too – dress up in your best Christmas costume and you might end up meeting Olaf, the Grinch or the Elf On the Shelf in town. Watch the city light up at 5pm before heading home, or stick around for Pure Paloma, the UK’s most popular Paloma Faith tribute act.
Ledbury’s Lark
When: Sunday 26 November 2024, 12pm – 6pm
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. Dance in the streets as the colourful Mr Wilson’s Second Liners put a traditional New Orleans twist on club classics. 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. The creative among you can get involved with various craft stalls, and Ledbury Poetry house is hosting a workshop with Beth Claverley, where you can walk away with a personalised poem.
Kington’s Knees-Up
When: Wednesday 27 November 2024, 5.30pm to 8.30pm
For a very cosy and truly Christmassy evening, pop along to Kington’s after-hours celebrations across the town on Wednesday 27 November. If you’re coming straight from work or school, no need to worry about having supper beforehand – there’ll be woodfired pizzas and plenty of sweet treats waiting when you get there. Father Christmas and his elves will be ready to hear your present requests, and there’s even a letter box to take letters straight to the North Pole. 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 1 December 2024, 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. But it’s not just Christmassy entertainment on offer. Little palaeontologists will love the dinosaur display, and, for those of you already wishing for Halloween again, Jack and Sally Skellington should add just the right amount of spooky appeal to the festivities, too. Keep creative little ones busy at the craft stalls and, if you haven’t put in your orders for the stocking, pay Father Christmas a visit at the on-site Grotto. All activities are free.
Hay’s Happenings
When: Friday, 29 November 2024, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Hay-on-Wye puts on a jolly event alongside their light switch-on too. This year, Luke Evans, of Hollywood and Hobbit fame, will be lighting the town up at 6.30pm, but there’s far more than just star appeal to tempt you along. Join in with some carol singing, and take your pick of refreshments from the various food stalls. Hay Fire Brigade will be making an appearance, and you can have a go at winning some prizes in the window spotting competition. Over at Hay School, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained too, with their annual Christmas fête. 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.
