A brass band, market stalls and lights switch-on will mark the start of Christmas at Wigan's Cotton Works

A free festive market, live music and family entertainment will launch a season of Christmas events at Wigan’s Cotton Works.

It will start on Saturday, November 14 with its Christmas light switch-on, a free event for families and visitors of all ages running from 4pm to 8pm.

The evening will see Cotton Works transformed into a festive destination, with a Christmas market hosted by independent street traders selling seasonal treats and handmade gifts perfect for loved ones.

Visitors can enjoy live performances from a brass band and a community choir, while stilt walkers roam the site and children take part in festive crafts.

The celebrations will build to the main event of the evening: the big switch-on at 6pm, when the Christmas lights will be turned on to mark the start of the festive season at Cotton Works.

Entry is free and there is no need to book. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the market and entertainment before the switch-on.

All three Cotton Works venues – Three Mills, Factory Floor and Feast at the Mills – will be open throughout the evening, serving mulled wine, mulled Vimto and a range of festive specials to keep visitors warm.

The switch-on is the first of a full programme of Christmas events at Cotton Works running throughout the festive season.

Families can meet Santa at Feast at the Mills, join in the festive mischief of Grinchmas or enjoy a special screening of Frozen with appearances from Anna and Elsa.

For adults, the programme includes a Bauble Sip and Paint at Three Mills, a Christmas wreath workshop and a Christmas sing-along bottomless brunch in December.

Charlotte Jones, head of marketing at Cotton Works, said: “Christmas at Cotton Works is all about bringing people together. We’ve built a programme that celebrates the very best of Wigan, from the local independent traders who make this place so special to the families who visit us year after year.

“We’d love everyone to come down, soak up the festive atmosphere and start their Christmas with us at Cotton Works.”

The full programme and tickets are available at linktr.ee/cottonworkswn.