It's the big Christmas Lights' Switch-on this Saturday and have we got a jam packed event for you!

The entertainment starts at 3pm with a programme of music in Market Square, including the incredible Sheffield Community Choir, DJ Kavita and authentic eight-piece Ska band The Superskas.

Look out for the Christmas Carriage walkabout show, and Kitsch & Sync Collective return with Oh Deer.

As well as all the entertainment there will be a gift market on Effingham Street, family friendly drop-in activities and workshops around Minster Gardens, and fairground rides in Effingham Square.

Young musicians from across the borough will showcase their talents at the side of the Christmas tree in All Saints’ Square, before the countdown begins to the big switch-on with the Mayor of Rotherham at 6pm.

You can pick up a programme on the day so look out for staff handing them out. Full details can also be found here.

Many of our businesses have confirmed they will be staying open late too, giving you the perfect opportunity to pick up some Christmas gifts, grab a hot drink and a bite to eat.

Don't forget it's free parking every weekend in all Council-owned off-street town centre car parks too.

Reclaim the Night has been running in Rotherham since 2015 and is about empowering women and reclaiming spaces which may be perceived as unsafe.

This year, the event will take place on Thursday 23 November, starting with a walk through Rotherham from The Ministry Pavilion at the Imperial Buildings at 6pm, and returning for warming refreshments and inspirational speakers from 7pm.

Find out more here.

Everyone is welcome. Please wrap up warm!

We're pleased to have welcomed two new businesses to the town centre recently:

Rotherham Hardware are located at 49 Wellgate and stock a wide range of products including cleaning, heating & plumbing supplies, electrical, lighting, tools, gardening, decorating and more. Follow Rotherham Hardware on Facebook here.

Guild of Games at 8 High Street is a shop for gamers, by gamers, offering trading cards (including Pokemon), new and pre-owned video games and so much more. Follow them on Facebook here.