Teen paralympic champion to switch on Northampton Christmas lights this month

The Rio gold medallist is set to light up the Market Square on November Saturday 19, where a range of events, entertainment and seasonal treats will be on offer in the town centre as part of a five-week countdown to Christmas.

Elsewhere in Market Walk, a Victorian-inspired Christmas den will offer free family-friendly craft workshops inspired by customs from around the world.

Councillor Jonathan Nunn, the acting leader of Northampton borough council, said “This Christmas we have one of the most jam-packed itineraries yet. From family-friendly craft workshops to the unique gifts on offer at the Frost Fairs, our countdown to Christmas has something for everyone.”

The Market Square will be filled with entertainment from 2pm, before Ellie lights up the town at 5pm.

He adds: “And of course, I’m delighted that Ellie Robinson will be joining us for the Christmas light switch on, I loved watching her performance in Rio and this is a great way for us to show how proud we are as a town of her achievements.”

Father Christmas will also be making a return to his grotto on Market Walk from Saturday November 26, where he will be available for visits from children between 12pm and 4.30pm every weekend until Sunday 18 December and every day Monday 19 – Friday 23 December.

As well as this festive fun, two Frost Fairs will be returning to the market square, on Sunday November 27 and Sunday December 4, offering unique gifts, vintage crafts and a range of festive refreshments to residents.

The second fair will be followed by a glowing lantern parade which will wind its way through the town centre before wrapping up with a sing-along.

There are plenty of other opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit too with food stalls along Abington Street, and the chance to meet the ghosts of Northampton past through an interactive trail on your smartphone.