LANTERN parades, festive markets and live music are among the exciting events planned across the borough this Christmas.

Wigan Council's plans for its annual Frost Festival has been announced today, which aims to bring an exciting run of low cost and free family-friendly events to locations across the borough. 

Set to take place on Sunday, November 17, Leigh's Frost Festival will feature stages of outdoor entertainment, funfairs and Christmas lights switch on celebrations in the town centres. 

Additionally, Leigh will host the Light Up Leigh dazzling Christmas lantern parade, featuring illuminated lanterns, puppets, stilt walkers, and circus performers, will parade on a tour of Leigh town centre, switching on the Christmas lights as they go.

The parade will end at Civic Square, where an evening of on-stage music and entertainment alongside the return of the Frost Feast pop-up food market will follow.

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Many children, families, and community groups helped to lead last year's lantern paradeMany children, families, and community groups helped to lead last year's lantern parade (Image: Wigan Council) The Light Up Leigh parade has been curated by The Turnpike Gallery, community dance company WigLe Dance, and Down to Earth, part of the Creative People and Places Programme, funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Other community groups and schools are also signed up to take part in the parade such as Leigh Youth Hub, Bedford High School, Leigh St. Mary’s Primary School and WN Dance, with  more organisations, residents and families able to take part by joining one of a series of creative workshops.

One part of the parade will be a beautiful giant snow leopard puppet, designed by professional artists as a celebration of Leigh Leopards.

Street food from 'Frost Feast' will also be available on Leigh's Frost FestStreet food from 'Frost Feast' will also be available on Leigh's Frost Fest (Image: Wigan Council) Creative Director of the Light Up Leigh parade, Amy Hodgson said: “We’re delighted to see Light Up Leigh evolve into a signature event for the town.

“It’s more than just a parade - it’s about bringing people together, showcasing our local talent and giving residents the chance to get involved in something truly special.

“This year, we’ve set our sights higher than ever, and we can’t wait to see Leigh’s streets come alive with light and colour.”

Last year's performances outside Leigh TurnpikeLast year's performances outside Leigh Turnpike (Image: Wigan Council) Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities at Wigan Council, added: “We’re really proud to be able to bring this event to Leigh this year and we can’t wait to get in the festive spirit.

“We know that lots of people find the festive period particularly challenging financially so we’re glad to be able to offer free and low-cost events for local people to enjoy across the borough this year and we hope everyone who can make it, will come along and enjoy the parade, lights, music and entertainment.”

Santa parading down BradshawgateSanta parading down Bradshawgate (Image: Wigan Council) Tom Briggs, Director of Down to Earth, added: "We’re absolutely thrilled that Down to Earth is involved in Light Up Leigh this year.

“It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible creativity that lives right here in Wigan and Leigh. It's so important for us to invest in the kind of events that communities in Leigh can be proud of.”

Leigh will also host festive markets in the build up to Christmas on November 16 and 17 and December 21.

Further festive events will be held in Wigan town centre and across the borough, More details can be found at the council's website here: visitwigan.com