Ashby's two-day Christmas Market returns to the town centre this Saturday and Sunday.

The Mayor, Cllr Liz Parle, will officially open the festive event at 10am on stage this Saturday.

There is an impressive line-up of local schools, dance academies, bands and a Michael Bublé tribute who will headline on Saturday at the Ashby BID and Ashby de la Zouch Town Council backed event.

The snow cannon finale will at 5pm on Saturday Only.

Over 60 different stalls will line Market Street offering a wide variety of treats, festive tipples and giftware.

Pat Collins will be providing some small children's rides in Brook Street.

Santa will be parked up in his sleigh by the large Christmas tree - so you can stop by and say hello to make sure you are on the nice list.

There will also be a magical, FREE festive journey from Market Street Costa to The Bowling Green Pub on Saturday and Sunday.

You can bring your family, feel the holiday cheer and ride to Rudolph this Christmas!

Organisers have emphasised that you should not forget to visit all of the fabulous businesses in town who make this event possible.

There is a lot to discover in the town centre - so make sure explore all the alleyways to find some of Ashby's hidden gems.

The Gingerbread Hunt will be another feature of the weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday, this will be a festive adventure through Ashby town.

You can spot fun gingerbread characters hiding in shop windows along Market Street, Mill Lane Mews, Pass Courtyard and Rushtons Yard. Each character is inspired by the shop they are in.

Pick up a checklist and return it to the Ashby BID gazebo near the stage for your chance to win a prize! Can you find them all? Let the hunt begin!  

The fun continues again on Sunday with more local entertainment and some different stalls so do not miss out paying the Market a second visit.

Road closures have been announced ahead of this weekend's Ashby Christmas Market.

The two-day event will see Market Street and Brook Street closed to traffic - which will have a knock-on effect in terms of diversions and town centre parking.

Amber Event Traffic Management Ltd will handle the arrangements and have let residents know what will be happening over November 30-December 1.

The company says: "This weekend, we are excited to welcome everyone to the Ashby Christmas Market! 

"Please note the following changes:

• No overnight parking on Market Street and Brook Street from Friday night until Sunday at 11pm.
• Market Street and Brook Street will be closed on Saturday from 5am to 10pm and Sunday from 5am to 11pm.
• Parking will also be suspended on South Street, North Street, and Trinity Close.

"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but we appreciate your understanding as we celebrate this festive event.

"Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at the market."