Ref: PR2000
Date: 05/11/08

The district is gearing up for the festive season with special markets and switching on Christmas lights as part of the Council's continuing Festival of Fire and Light.

The Mayor of Wakefield, Cllr Jacqui Williams, will switch on the Wakefield lights on Thursday, November 13, at 6pm as part of the city's popular Victorian Market, which runs from November 13 to Sunday, November 16.

The lights in Pontefract will be switched on by the Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Denise Jeffery, on Monday, November 24 at 6.30pm.

Castleford's lights will be switched on by Cllr Jeffery on Tuesday, November 25 at 6.30pm.

There will be lively markets in both towns on the switch-on days, opening at 9am, with live entertainment from 4.30pm, appearances by the cast of Wakefield Theatre's Royal panto, Beauty and the Beast and by classical pop group Ti Amero.

Cllr Jeffery, who has responsibility for regeneration, sport and culture, said: "The Festival of Fire and Light brightens up the dark autumn and winter days with a whole programme of events, including the lights switch-ons and specialist markets, which all draw crowds of people from inside and outside the district. We hope all our visitors will enjoy the festival."

Other lights switch-ons are taking place across the district, organised by town councils and community groups so please check locally for programmes. Those confirmed so far include:

South Elmsall - Nov 19, 6pm; High Ackworth - Nov 21, 6pm; Ackworth All Saints' Church - Nov 21, 6.45pm; Hemsworth - Nov 27, 6pm;

Normanton - Nov 28, 6pm; Ossett - Nov 29, 5pm; Horbury - Nov 28, 6.30pm; Ferrybridge - Nov 18, 5pm; Crofton - Dec 2, 7pm; Kinsley - Dec 3, 6pm; Featherstone - Nov 26, 6pm; Glasshoughton - Dec 2, 7pm;

Sandal Christmas tree - Nov 28, 6pm; Agbrigg Christmas tree - Dec 1, 6pm; Darrington Christmas tree - Dec 3, 6pm