No big Christmas lights switch-on in Kettering this year

There will be no big Christmas lights switch-on to mark the start of the festive season in Kettering this year.

Hundreds usually cram into the Market Place at the end of November to watch as the lights are turned on, with performances to keep the crowd entertained.

But with restrictions on gatherings because of the coronavirus pandemic this year's big event will not take place.

A Kettering Council spokesman said: "The usual public event will regrettably not be able to take place due to the Covid-19 situation.

"However, we are working on safe options, which may include some form of virtual switch-on.

"We are also planning some safe and fun Christmas activities for December but these will, of course, be subject to government guidance."

In previous years the town centre has hosted an ice rink and funfair.

Last year the lights were switched on by Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star Will Mellor.

In 2018 our snooker hometown hero, Kyren Wilson, turned on the lights with a cameo from local pub legend Malcolm 'The Fish Man' Vials.

Four years ago in 2016 Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan sent a personal message to Kettering residents apologising for not being able to turn on the lights.

She had said she would come after a Twitter outburst on the night the UK voted for Brexit, when she asked where Kettering was after it overwhelmingly voted to leave.

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