LANTERN parades, markets and visits from Father Christmas - are among the events that have been announced by the council ahead of the festive season.

The annual Frost Festival will see a schedule of low-cost and free festive fun enjoyed by families across the borough.

Abz Love, formerly of 5ive, will headline a stage show in Leigh, while Katy Ashworth from CBeebies and Andy Bennett from Ocean Colour Scene are both stars of the show over in Wigan town centre.

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities at Wigan Council, said: “We’re really proud to be able to offer such a jam-packed series of Christmas events and we can’t wait to get in the festive spirit.

“Against a backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis, we’re glad to be able to offer free and low-cost events for local people to enjoy.”

In Leigh town centre, on Saturday, November 18, Christmas markets will run on Bradshawgate from 10am, with a funfair on Spinning Gate car park.

A jam-packed stage show will run from 1pm.

Leigh’s Light Night parade will then dance its way from Spinning Gate to Civic Square from 5.30pm, where families can meet Father Christmas at the town hall from 6.30pm or watch a showing of Elf at the Turnpike Gallery from 7pm.

A new event called Frost Feast will see independent traders providing a wide range of delicious food accompanied by live music performed by local artists from 6pm.

Meanwhile, in Wigan town centre, on Sunday, November 26, street markets will run from 10am with Santa leading a procession of community groups and performers from Mesnes Park at 1pm.

The main stage will entertain crowds from 12pm and a light switch on will take place at 5pm.

Father Christmas will be accepting visitors in the Grand Arcade and there will be great activities happening each Saturday throughout December.

Christmas cheer will also be spread at Wigan Market every Saturday throughout December.