Grimsby's Christmas Tree arrived ahead of upcoming Festival

It's 26 feet tall, about the same as two double decker buses

Author: Ivan Morris Poxton LDRSPublished 21st Nov 2023

Grimsby’s showcase Christmas tree has been installed.

A 26-foot-tall Nordmann Fir tree has been installed in St James Square, ahead of the Great Grimsby Christmas Festival, to be held there on Saturday, November 25. It was handpicked from the local Strawson Woodland at their plantation near Louth.

The festival on Saturday will run from midday to 6pm and is set to be an action-packed event. Market stalls, a festive puppet show and the big lights switch-on will all feature.

Lights will be installed on the tree in coming days before the festival.

Sharon Hunt, Newlincs operations director, said: “We are always happy to support the residents of North East Lincolnshire, particularly during the festive period. This year we are also having a large Christmas tree at the Grimsby tip in addition to the Christmas up-cycled decorations that we do each year – hopefully the display will be our best yet.”

The Great Grimsby Christmas Festival will include a festive market, comprising unique gifts from local traders, and delicious festive treats and specials to tuck into. The main stage has live music plus interactive entertainment throughout the day.

Jaz Beeson, Mak & Co, Lowercase Theatre, plus a bespoke Christmas puppet show by Kazbah Theatre and mashup of music tech by Future Freestylers, from DJing, drums & beatboxing, are all set to feature. Grimsby resident and stand up comedian Lauren Smith will host.

A parade will start at Top Town Market from 4:30pm, ending in St. James Square ready for the Christmas tree lights switch-on. There will be a guest appearance from the panto cast of Cinderella, followed by music with the Cleethorpes Brass Band.

This year’s town centre Christmas event has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and sponsored by Orsted. The 2023 event is organised by Swans Events on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council.

In Freshney Place Shopping Centre, Santa and his elves will be in attendance, with photographs available at the Elf Station. The car park’s opening times will be extended to 6.30pm, and Top Town Market will host its own indoor Christmas Market, in aid of St Andrew’s Hospice.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.