With just a few days to go, Warrington Weekend Wonderland is ready to transform Warrington Town Centre into a festive wonderland.
This weekend on Saturday 23 November, and Sunday 24 November, the much-anticipated event will bring two days packed with Christmas cheer, family fun and live performances, giving visitors the perfect way to celebrate the season together.
With support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the collaboration of Warrington Borough Council, Warrington BID, Culture Warrington, Golden Square, Independent Street Market and outdoor arts experts Walk the Plank, this year’s programme promises an experience filled with seasonal highlights, bringing the community together and drawing in festive visitors from near and far.
Bev Ayre, Senior Producer at Walk the Plank, said: “We can’t wait to bring this year’s programme to life and bring Warrington together this Christmas. Walk the Plank believes in the magic of storytelling and the unique power of outdoor arts to create memorable experiences. This event has been a fantastic collaboration, drawing on the creativity of local communities and the special character of Warrington.”
The celebrations include Warrington’s Christmas Markets, open from 10am – 7pm on Saturday and from 11am – 5pm on Sunday. Spread across Bridge Street, Horsemarket Street and Dolmans Lane, the market will feature over 60 stalls offering unique gifts, crafts and festive treats – perfect for Christmas shopping and those looking to enjoy seasonal food and drink.
Families will find plenty to enjoy at Time Square, where free face painting, traditional fairground rides and live music from local bands like Batida Rio and Twisted Tubes will keep everyone entertained from 11am – 4pm on Sunday. Bar Hütte will bring cosy karaoke huts to Golden Square’s Old Market Place, where groups can pre-book for a Christmas singalong with friends and family, adding to the lively atmosphere in the heart of the town.
A major highlight of the programme will take place on Saturday evening, with a series of must-see performances starting at 5pm in Time Square. Katumba drummers will kick off the evening entertainment with energy and flair, featuring Walk the Plank’s special effects, before Silk Street Jazz marching band takes the reins, leading up to the Fire-lit Concert with special effects at Queens Gardens, produced by Walk the Plank, from 6pm.
This special concert will feature a torchlit procession and live performances by local talent, including L.A Voices, Warrington Community Choir, Wired for Sound, Rock Choir, and solo artist Olivia Booth – all coming together to honour Warrington’s local heroes in a moving tribute to the community’s spirit. Renowned opera singers, Flat Pack Music, and immensely entertaining ukulele group, Splintered Ukes, will also taking to the stage to close the show.
Adding even more magic to the weekend, beloved walkabout characters will appear throughout the festivities, including the Grinch, Snow Queen stilt walkers, a skating Christmas Present and the dazzling Mirror Reindeers, ready to surprise and delight visitors as they roam various spots around the town centre.
Police Crime Commissioner Dan Price added: “With such an exciting programme, we’re making sure everyone feels safe and can enjoy Warrington’s celebrations with peace of mind. This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate and make lasting memories and we’re committed to creating a warm and secure environment for all.”
For the full programme, including performance times and activity locations, visit wearewarringtonbid.co.uk/weekend-wonderland-2024.
