Countdown to Christmas lights switch on

A range of festive activities will be taking place across the district next month.

The build-up starts with the opening of an ice skating rink by the Wakefield Cathedral precinct on Friday November 21.

It will be open every day until Christmas Eve between 11am and 5pm each day and until 4pm on Sundays.

Sessions will run for 30 minutes and cost £2.

The festive season also sees the return of the popular Wakefield Christmas market including hot street food and festive drinks.

The market will run on three consecutive weekends starting on Friday November 21.

It will also be open on Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30 and from Friday, December 5 until Sunday December 7.

The markets will be open from 10am until 5pm each day and until 4pm on Sundays.

Other festive happenings across the district include a Christmas lights switch-on in Wakefield Cathedral precinct on Friday, November 21, from 6pm.

Pontefract’s Christmas lights will be switched on in the town’s market place a 6.30pm on Monday, November 24.

Castleford’s Christmas lights will be switched on at 5.30pm on Tuesday, November 25 on Carlton Street.

Coun Les Shaw, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We are really getting into the festive spirit with so much happening across the district from the return of the bigger and better synthetic ice rink to the switch on our festive light events.

“But it doesn’t end there – we are also welcoming back the seasonal Christmas Market with hot food and drinks and a variety of special presents perfect for your loved ones.”