Where to go this week
VISIT Santa on Level 1 in Darwin Square from 10am-6pm daily (Thursdays and Fridays until 7pm), and 11am-4pm Sundays. The cost is £3.75 for a visit and gift, £4.25 for a visit with photo, or £7.50 for a visit with gift and photo. Book your slot online at grotto.westfieldderby.co.uk.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON AND PARADE Derby
THERE'S fun and entertainment in Derby today from 1pm to 6.30pm. In Westfield there are community performances from 1.50pm, followed by Signature (Britain's Got Talent runners-up) at 3.30pm and Britain's Got Talent winner George Sampson at 3.45pm.
Ram FM's Dino and Pete will be in the Market Place from 4pm, introducing local bands The Raw and The Sons.
A parade featuring Santa Claus, reindeer, giant puppets and mascots will leave The Spot at 5pm and arrive in the Market Place at 5.20pm.
The rest of the day's entertainment in the Market Place includes pantomime stars on stage at 5.30pm, the Mayor's speech at 5.40pm, George Sampson at 5.50pm and panto stars and Santa Claus on stage at 5.55pm. The lights will be switched on at 6pm.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Castleton
THE Christmas lights will be switched on at 4.30pm today, giving the village a magical appeal which attracts visitors from miles around. This year's attractions include Santa's Grotto, children's rides, late-night shopping and festive music. Details on 01433 620679.
EGG-HEADS Derby Museum and Art Gallery
TAKE a look today at some of the portraits on display and create your own out of a paper spun egg. This free drop-in workshop is suitable for children of all ages and runs from 11am to 3pm. Call 01332 716650.
SECOND HAND BOOK FAIR Kedleston Hall
BAG a bargain from the variety of books on sale at this annual event which runs today and tomorrow, 11am to 3pm. Admission is £1. Details on 01332 842191.
AREN'T BIRDS BRILLIANT! Carsington Water
HEAD to the Wildlife Centre where volunteers will help you learn about the site's wildlife and its conservation. Binoculars and telescopes available, live wildlife cameras and Animal Antics quiz £1.00. Fun for all the family. This event runs tomorrow and Tuesday, 10.30am to 3.30pm.
LECTURE LUNCH: OUR FRIENDLY GARDEN ROBIN Calke Abbey
A LOOK at the natural and non-natural history of the robin redbreast with David Tideswell. The lecture lunch,on Tuesday – one in a series – starts at 10.45am on Tuesday and costs £18. Booking is essential on 01332 863822.
MAKE-IT SUNDAY The Beetroot Tree, Draycott
A CRAFT session from 10.30am to noon for children of any age. plus a Sunday special hot drink and toast for £2 for accompanying adults. Call 01332 873929.
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