The town centre came alive on Sunday for the much-anticipated Grantham Christmas Lights event and Festive Fayre.
The day is being hailed a huge success, with thousands of visitors keeping stalls busy all day ahead of lights twinkling into the evening to signal the magical season ahead.
Stallholders and shopkeepers reported brisk business before crowds packed the Market Place for a visit from Santa, a musical finale and lighting of the town’s new and improved illuminations.
The day started early – before 6am – for SKDC staff, supported by Grantham councillors, who cleared the overnight snow from the streets and set up staging and stalls.
Cllr Paul Stokes, the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “This was a great advert for Grantham, and for SKDC, and shows what can be achieved when the town works together for everybody's benefit.
“It was great to see the smiling faces on youngsters and adults alike and I was pleased to welcome so many stalls and attractions as they worked alongside Grantham’s shops and businesses to keep everyone entertained all day long.
“It was the ideal start to the Christmas countdown and I would like to thank the people of Grantham and the surrounding area for turning out in such huge numbers in support of the event.”
Adults and children alike threw themselves into the yuletide celebrations, enjoying face painting, a snowdome and a free Rogue Reindeer Trail run by the Council to give youngsters the chance of winning seasonal prizes, including family pantomime tickets.
Special guest, Karen Thompson, threw the switch. Karen is an SK Community Award winner and has run Kesteven Rideability as a Riding for the Disabled facility at Hough on the Hill for 35 years, enriching the lives of hundreds of people through contact with horses and ponies.
Chairman of SKDC, Cllr Gloria Johnson, told the crowd: “This is an important day for the whole town and helps to celebrate Grantham’s ancient market charter heritage.
“Thank you to everyone who has generously dedicated their time to support this event, particularly Lincolnshire Fire Aid for their tireless efforts leading up to today. They've provided our stage, our PA system and the vintage fire engines.
“I'd also like to extend heartfelt thanks to the local schools, community groups and charities for their invaluable contributions, adding to the fun and the community spirit of today's festivities.
“We must also thank our market traders, the Showmen’s Guild for the fair, and all the suppliers and performers for making the event so special.”