Pontefract to be lit up for Christmas tonight

There will be entertainment, fairground rides and Pontefract Lioness Club will hold a Santa’s grotto in St Giles’ church from 3pm.

The lights will be switched on by Pontefract councillors at 6.30pm.

The festivities also see an ice rink set up on the Wakefield Cathedral precinct.

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

Sessions will last for 30 minutes and cost £2.

The Christmas build-up also sees the return of the popular Wakefield Christmas market, which will open on Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30 and from Friday, December 5 until Sunday, December 7.

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

Coun Les Shaw, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “We are looking forward to celebrating the festivities with many events and activities taking place throughout the district, there is something for everyone.

“So whether you want to get on your skates and come down for a spin at the Ice Skating Rink, pick up some unique last minute gifts at the Christmas market, or fancy getting in the mood for Christmas with our light switch ons - make sure you get the dates in your diaries - to have a great time celebrating this festive period.”

Festivities will get underway in Castleford tomorrow (Tuesday).

There will be live entertainment and rides on Carlton Street before the switch-on by district councillors at 5.30pm.