WARRINGTON Weekend Wonderland is returning to mark the start of the festive period – along with Christmas markets.

The town centre will welcome back the event later this month which will see street entertainment including The Grinch, stilt walkers and reindeers roaming around.

The weekend, taking place on November 23 and November 24, promises to be something for everyone, with entertainment and family friendly activities.

With support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Warrington Weekend Wonderland is brought to life courtesy of, Warrington Borough Council, Warrington BID, Culture Warrington, Golden Square, Independent Street Market, and the UK's leading makers and creators of outdoor arts, Walk the Plank.

With decades of experience producing events that transform spaces and communities, Walk the Plank is known for weaving together performance, fire and storytelling to create magical experiences.

As part of the jammed packed programme of events, a highlight of the weekend will be the drumming spectacular and festive fire-lit concert on Saturday evening, which will bring Time Square and Queens Gardens to life with performances from Kutumba featuring some Walk the Plank mobile special effects, Silk Street Jazz, renowned opera singers Flat Pack Music and local choirs. Local heroes will also be honoured during the concert with a torchlit ceremony.

Cllr Tony Higgins, cabinet member for leisure and community at Warrington Borough Council, said: "The Warrington Weekend Wonderland is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and enjoy the start of the festive season.

“It’s great to see people of all ages heading into the town centre to take part in the activities, while also supporting local businesses. It really does offer something for everyone and showcases the very best of Warrington during this special time of year."

Throughout the weekend, Warrington Christmas Markets will be set up along Bridge Street, Horsemarket Street and Dolmans Lane, offering more than 60 stalls filled with seasonal gifts, crafts and food. The markets will be open both Saturday and Sunday, giving visitors plenty of time to explore.

Families can enjoy Santa’s Grotto - The Elf Experience on Hatters Row, running both days, where children can meet Santa and his elves, with pre-booking being essential via Culture Warrington’s website.

Jake Liken, Creative producer for communities, from Culture Warrington said: "We’re delighted to be part of this year’s Warrington Weekend Wonderland. The event brings together a fantastic range of the town’s talent, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

"It really highlights the important role that arts and culture play in our community and we’re proud to help make this event a memorable experience for everyone involved."

Warrington school choirs will perform at Golden Square’s Old Market Place throughout the weekend, bringing festive music to the town centre, with performances featuring students from schools across the town, adding to the weekend’s community spirit.

There will also be plenty of street entertainment with walkabout acts, including The Grinch, stilt walkers, and Mirror Reindeers, roaming Time Square, Golden Square and Bridge Street on both days.

In Time Square, visitors will find free family activities like face painting, traditional fairground rides and live music from Warrington bands, including Batida Rio, Stray Horns and Twisted Tubes.

Meanwhile, Bar Hütte is making it’s Warrington debut at the Old Market Place for pre-bookable karaoke huts, offering a cosy spot to take a break from the festivities. Golden Square is also having their own series of festive events with Party Lodge, Santa Claus Club, Kids Movie Mornings and Wreath-Making Après Ski Style workshops throughout the Christmas season.

Dave McNicholl, chair of Warrington BID and CEO of Youth Zone, added: "The Warrington Weekend Wonderland is fast becoming a highlight in the town’s calendar. It’s fantastic to see how the event encourages people to visit the town centre, supporting our local businesses and creating a great atmosphere. It’s a real boost for the community and can’t wait to be part of something that brings so many people together."

A full programme of activities is available on the Warrington BID website, where visitors can download a guide to help plan their weekend.

For more information on Warrington Weekend Wonderland 2024, visit www.wearewarringtonbid.co.uk/weekend-wonderland-2024