Changes to Scunthorpe Christmas lights switch-on as Storm Bert rolls in
The show will go on in Scunthorpe for Saturday's big Christmas lights switch-on - though the arrival of Storm Bert has led to some changes.
The Met Office is predicting strong winds and heavy rain this weekend as the recent icy spell is rapidly replaced by a blustery winter storm. In Scunthorpe, rain is expected to arrive in the morning and continue through much of the day, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 50mph.
With much of the town centre Christmas event originally planned to be held outdoors, the forecast for severe weather has led to North Lincolnshire Council making some adjustments so the festive celebration can go ahead.
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The light switch-on itself will now take place in St John's Market at 5.30pm, and the stage in Queen Elizabeth Memorial Gardens will no longer be put up. Meanwhile, there will be many other activities around the town centre going ahead.
They include a Victorian-themed wonderland at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre where visitors can snap a selfie in front of the beautiful Christmas scene in the vestry of the former St John's Church and enjoy arts and crafts from 10am. There'll also be festive treats available on the special Christmas menu in the café along with handcrafted treasures from independent artists available in the gallery shop.
You may also spot the Victorian Father Christmas!
In Scunthorpe town centre, youngsters will have opportunities to meet Santa. They can post their letter to Father Christmas at St John's Market and then head upstairs to encounter the jolly man himself in his snug grotto between 11am and 3pm.
Tickets are priced at £7 per child and there's no need to book.
The Christmas Fair in the market will give shoppers the chance to support local businesses and find those perfect stocking fillers, all while soaking up some festive live music and entertainment.
Just a short stroll away, Scunthorpe Central will be buzzing with activities throughout the afternoon, featuring a Victorian choir, a face painter and a Snow White-themed escape room.
Also, don't overlook the free family trail around the library for your chance to bag a Christmas hamper! Simply locate all the points on the trail and submit your entry into the magical Christmas post box, and you could be the lucky winner.
The activities are drop-in, except for the escape room which requires an online booking - be quick, as there are only limited spaces!
While in town, visitors also have the chance to chat to the fostering team and make Christmas crafts.