THE FESTIVE season is set to begin across North Notts as Worksop and Retford prepare to host their annual Christmas lights switch-on events on Saturday 28 November and Sunday 29 November.
Organised by North Notts BID, in partnership with Worksop and Retford business forums, the free family-friendly events will bring festive market stalls, fairground rides, street performers and a packed programme of community entertainment to the town centres, with popular Take That tribute act Rule The World set to headline both celebrations.
Sally Gillborn MBE, chief executive of North Notts BID, said:
“Our Christmas lights switch-on events are a much-loved tradition in the North Notts calendar and a fantastic opportunity to bring our communities together to celebrate the start of the festive season.
“Following their performance at Party in the Square a few years ago, we’re looking forward to welcoming Rule the World back to North Notts. Alongside the fantastic local talent taking to the stage, the events will celebrate the community spirit that makes Worksop and Retford such great places to visit.”
The Worksop festivities begin at 12.15pm on Saturday in Old Market Square, with stage and street entertainment showcasing local talent, including performances from Redlands School Choir, Worksop Musical Theatre Society and a Worksop’s Got Talent finalist.
Celebrations continue in Retford’s Market Square from 10.30am on Sunday, opening with a service featuring musicians from Grove Street Methodist Church and the Elizabethan Academy Choir, followed by performances from local talent, including Heather Turner Dance Tuition, Fame Academy Retford and LCSD Dance Academy.
Across both towns, families are encouraged to support the local shops and hospitality venues whilst at the events. There will also be the Christmas market and fairground rides to enjoy along with additional food stalls including Huntsman’s Game and Bedda Pasta at both locations, alongside 3XXL BBQ in Worksop and Bishtons and Tucker’s Tacos in Retford.
Both events will feature a civic ceremony and Christmas lights switch-on led by Santa and his little helper, a local child selected on the day. In Worksop, the ceremony will be accompanied by a brass band and Christmas carols, ahead of the 5.55pm countdown and fireworks display. In Retford, Santa will arrive on stage at midday before the lights are switched on at 4.45pm.
Rule The World will round off the celebrations in both towns, performing in two sets in Worksop at 5.30pm and from 6pm to 6.30pm, and in Retford from 5pm to 6pm.
Sally added:
“We’re looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to Worksop and Retford. Events like these offer a great way to support local traders, discover what our town centres have to offer and enjoy a day of entertainment with family and friends. We’d encourage everyone to come along and help us celebrate the start of the festive season across North Notts.”
Visit the Facebook events pages for the latest updates on the Worksop Christmas Lights and Retford Christmas Lights.
The festive celebrations will continue across North Notts, with Harworth and Bircotes hosting their Christmas event on Friday 27 November, from 3pm to 6pm, followed by Tuxford on Sunday 29 November, from 2.30pm to 6pm.
For more information about North Notts BID, visit https://northnottsbid.co.uk.
Event running orders (please note these may be subject to change):
Worksop Old Market Square: Saturday 28 November, 12.15pm to 6.30pm
- 15pm – Opening from Wes and Leanne
- 20pm – The Cruellas (local band)
- 45pm – Redlands School Choir
- 10pm – Worksop Musical Theatre Society
- 35pm – Houghton School of Music
- 2pm – Zebra Dance Studio
- 30pm – Dinnington Operatic Student Academy
- 55pm – Grace Millar (solo singer)
- 20pm – Connie Emery (solo singer)
- 45pm – Worksop’s Got Talent finalist
- 20pm – Holly Plumley Performance Arts
- 40pm – Isla Ball (solo singer)
- 15pm – Civic ceremony accompanied by brass band and carols
- 30pm – Rule The World (Take That tribute)
- 55pm – Countdown to Christmas lights switch-on with Santa and his little helper, followed by fireworks
- 6pm to 6.30pm – Rule The World
Retford Market Square: Sunday 29 November, 10.30am to 6pm
- 30am – Opening service with Rev Julie Coates, musicians from Grove Street Methodist Church and Elizabethan Academy Choir
- 15am – Elizabethan Academy
- 12pm – Santa arrives on stage
- 15pm – Heather Turner Dance Tuition
- 1pm – Fame Academy Retford
- 45pm – Musicality Singers (TBC)
- 30pm – LCSD Dance Academy
- 30pm – The Performance Hub
- 10pm – Jessica Mary Brett
- 45pm – Civic ceremony and Christmas lights switch-on with Santa and his little helper
- 5pm to 6pm – Rule The World (Take That tribute)
Posted on 09 November 2026
