Hugh Dennis to kick off Kettering's virtual Christmas celebrations

Kettering-born comedian Hugh Dennis will kick off the town's virtual Christmas celebrations this year.

Hundreds would normally gather in the Market Place for the big countdown to see the Christmas lights switched on, but with Covid-19 restrictions still in place the annual event put on by Kettering Council has been cancelled.

Instead the lights will be virtually switched on with Kettering's Christmas celebrations starting on November 26.

Hugh Dennis, best known for his appearances in Outnumbered, Mock The Week and Not Going Out, will kick things off with a special festive message which will be on the This is Kettering YouTube channel and Facebook page from 6pm.

He said: “Having been born there I think of Kettering as the place where my own lights were switched on.

"So returning the compliment I am delighted to be involved in switching on the Kettering Christmas lights for 2020, even if it is virtual this year."

As part of the Christmas festivities, and to support local businesses, there will be free parking in all Kettering Council owned car parks for the rest of the year.

This year children will be able to meet Santa at his Lapland Lodge in an enchanted forest at Kettering's Market Place on selected days between November 27 and December 24.

The Lapland Lodge will be open from 10am to 4pm. Time slots need to be booked in advance. For more details, and terms and conditions, visit thisiskettering.com/Christmas or call the booking office on 07535 226522.

Kettering Christmas Markets will be held from 9am to 4pm on December 12 and 19, with a teenage market and small business Saturday from 9am to 4pm on December 5.

Cllr Scott Edwards, Kettering Council’s portfolio holder for community and culture, said: “The virtual Christmas lights switch-on is the new and exciting initiative that all can enjoy safely and comfortably from their own homes.

"I’m sure we can all agree that it’s been a difficult year for many but these Christmas festivities, including the all new for 2020 Lapland Lodge, will provide some well-needed festive cheer to all in Kettering.”

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