Countdown To Christmas

FREE PARKINGTHIS CHRISTMASCOLONNADES CAR PARKMARSH GATE CAR PARKSFree parking from 3:00pm to 6:00pm from:1 December and up to Tuesday 2 January 2018

Hello and welcome toCountdown to Christmasin DoncasterNot only do we have a brand new main Switch-on event for you thisyear but it’s on a new day and in a totally new location. There’ssomething for all the family on Saturday 18 November, at sites acrossthe entire town centre, check out the event listings and map in thisleaflet, and don’t forget the Treasure Hunt! You and your childrencould win amazing prizes including a Doncaster Golden Ticket! The mapand instructions can be found on pages 9 - 11.We also wanted to let you know about all the great things taking place acrossDoncaster this Festive Season too, so this leaflet has details of some of the very bestin entertainment, shopping, days and nights out for you and your family.Doncaster has so much to see and do and we hope you’ll enjoy what’s on offer.Borough wide listings for November and December can all be found atwww.visitdoncaster.com and there’s always lots going on our Facebook andTwitter pages, so make sure your Countdown to Christmas starts with@Visit Doncaster #CountdowntoChristmasVisit Doncaster is Doncaster Council’s Tourism team operating from the Civic Officeand the Tourist Information Centre:Email: [email protected] | Tel: 01302 7343091 Priory Place, Doncaster, DN1 1BNMonday to Friday 9.30 - 5pmSaturday 10 - 3pmSunday Closed 1

Highlights of What’s on this Christmas in Doncaster There’s so much going on we can’t possibly fit it all in - but here’s a quick whizz through some of the highlights. For full details and listings visit www.visitdoncaster.com which will tell you all you need to know. All the details below are correct at the time of printing, but we know things change so please check. There’s great family fun this year at Walkers Nurseries in Blaxton. Santa’s Grotto includes the options of a pre booked Breakfast or Supper with Santa as well as a regular weekend grotto. For the grown-ups you can enjoy a Festive Fayre in the Potting Shed during the day or their Christmas Evening Event - they have donkeys visiting too so make sure you check out all the details and plan your visit. Doncaster Racecourse has a programme of racing and entertainment including a very special live entertainment evening offer and a Black Tie Ball for New Year’s Eve. There’s even the Twixmas meeting on 29 December for those with energy to burn after their overindulgence. Boston Park Farm has Christmas fun with crafts, hunt for Santa and a chance to Eat with Santa from 27 November right through ‘til 21 December, check dates and booking information before you visit. Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery on Chequer Road is host to a Twelve Days of Christmas event on 8 December. Join for an art history lecture by Rachel Holland- Hargreaves from 10:30am. Don’t forget the Dickensian Walk through the town centre hosted by Doncaster Civic Trust on 18 November. (booking is essential through the Tourist Information Centre). The Keepmoat Stadium is host to some great events this Christmas from Festive Party Nights and a New Year’s Eve Family Party to a Frozen themed lunch with a guest appearance from Donny the Dog!2

Sandall Park once again has the Santa Dash which raises money for Doncaster charities and has been doing so since 2009. There’s no finer spectacle than the hundreds of Santa’s making their way round the park, not to mention the best dressed dog and decorated buggy competitions. Your entry fee includes your Santa suit and antlers for children – you even get a medal. Superb family fun and fundraising on 10 December.Something amazing is happening at BrodsworthHall and Gardens this Christmas. Join withfriends and family to explore the grounds afterdark as they become a magical wonderland ofcolourful lights. Follow the illuminated trail andcatch a glimpse of the friendly fairies, which liveamong the twinkling lights......Enchanted Brodsworth is one not to missDecember 15 to 23 (booking recommended). 3

Highlights of What’s onthis Christmas in Doncaster For something completely different, how about a visit to Yorkshire Wildlife Park this Christmas. With festive food, buffet lunches, the popular Christmas Fair and Glittering Party Nights, this is a unique venue with its backdrop of the 100-acre park, home to some of the worlds most endangered and beautiful animals. Doncaster Brewery and Tap opens its doors on 10 December to Louis, Louis, Louis, an event that promises to be one of the most raucous parties of the season! Classic jump blues, rocksteady and ska with thumpin’ slap bass, honkin’ horns and piano boogie; we’re exhausted just thinking about it. Christmas is Panto time … Oh yes it is! With Cast Theatre performing Beauty and the Beast from December 1. Once again all performances will have an integrated sign language actor. Then there’s the Great Christmas Dig from December 9, perfect for little ones and families. The Little Theatre has Dick Whittington, Sleeping Beauty, the Grinch and the not to be missed Father Christmas Comes Up Trumps. The Little Theatre also has a programme of Christmas movies throughout November and December. The Ukrainian Centre has Aladdin on 18 and 19 November. Hotels and restaurants across Doncaster are gearing up for a very busy Christmas and New Year with Live music, tribute nights and comedy all thrown in. Holiday Inn has a 5 course Gala Dinner for New Year’s Eve whilst Rossington Hall hosts a Masquerade Ball on 16 December as well as festive afternoon teas at the Cakes and Carols event featuring Frickley South Elmsall Brass Band on December 10. The Mercure Danum has a Christmas Fayre 19 November, as well as an extensive range of festive food and drink and the Merchant Cocktail Bar is the place for a Festive Cocktail Masterclass (booking essential). The Regent Hotel has everything from shopper’s lunches to gala dinners and a full programme of tribute nights and even a Mad Friday special!4

Doncaster Dome has entertainment for all with A Choral Christmas show, theDreamboys, the Jersey Boys and comedy from Jimmy Carr and Cast also bring, inaddition to the panto a full programme of festive treats including Joseph and theAmazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Annie.Doncaster Trolley Bus Museum has its open day on 18 November and on the theme ofbuses the Google Bus visits the town centre on Friday 24 November.Sports fans can see everything from the Doncaster Town Centre 10k Run on 26November to a full programme of football and rugby for Doncaster Rovers andKnights across the festive season. There’s also wrestling and boxing at The Dome andof course plenty of horseracing at Doncaster Racecourse.We wouldn’t want you to be disappointed so as well as confirming acts before youvisit, please check any entry ticket prices that may apply. 5

Merry Christmas from Doncaster Market Christmas is a special time for everyone and it’s no different at Doncaster Market! Our award winning market butchers have been busy procuring the finest meat, game and poultry for the festive period; our delicatessens and speciality cheese stalls have all the party food you could possibly want for you and your guests. Have a wander through our Fish Market for some of those little Christmas luxuries such as lobster, crab and so much more. And of course the all-important greengrocers to complete your Christmas meal; don’t forget the sprouts! Doncaster Market has a vast array of quality market traders for those unusual Christmas presents. Bespoke gifts for family and friends or perhaps a piece of jewellery for a loved one, they are all available here. We have extended our opening hours during December; the market will be open every day, including Sundays, from Monday 11 December up to and including Christmas Eve, Sunday 24 December.6

Changes are on the horizon at Doncaster Market, with Doncaster Councilset to revamp Doncaster’s iconic Wool Market. The work to transform theWool Market into a vibrant and bustling 21st Century retail destination isset to begin early in 2018. Plans include renovating the Wool Market to givethe building a complete makeover which will enable the market to host moreevents, ensuring there is something on offer for everyone!But don’t worry, your favourite traders are still part of Doncaster Market,having relocated to the Grade II listed Corn Exchange, Goose Hill Market orthe International Food Hall in anticipation of works beginning.From everyone at Doncaster Market we wish youa Happy Christmas and a fabulous New Year. For more details about the Market and what is on offer visit www.doncaster.gov.uk/markets. 7

Here’s your handy guide to all that’s happening on Saturday 18 November Market Square will be alive with the regular market as well as a number of visiting stallholders for the day of the event. Gifts, crafts and food stalls will fill the area outside of the Corn Exchange. We’ll have Father Christmas visiting throughout the day as well as a team of elves and snowmen. There will also be live performances in the Square to entertain all the family. Market Square Performance Times: 11:00 Doncaster Ukulele Group 11:45 Doncaster Council Staff Choir 12:30 Hatfield Colliery Brass Ensemble 13:30 The Cusworth Singers Goose Hill will have a collection of rides and attractions during the day from 9:30am – 7pm. There will be hot food vendors and a chestnut stand giving away scrummy hot chestnuts. Clock Corner will feature a German style Pipe Organ and to make your stay a little more comfortable there’s a seating area and a hot drinks stand as well as a children’s ride to keep the little ones busy whilst you rest a while and take in the festive sights and sounds. Mansion House has a full day of activities and entertainment and will be the central hub of the Countdown to Christmas event, ranging from 20-30 minutes (don’t miss out!). Mansion House Performance Times: 12:00 Ukulele Group 12:45 Doncaster Council Staff Choir 13:30 Hatfield Colliery Brass Ensemble 14:20 The Cusworth Singers Doncaster Civic Trust bring you a Dickensian Walk at Christmas leaving the Mansion House at 1:30pm (booking essential through the Tourist Information Centre) and there’s mince pies and mulled wine on offer whilst you take in the grandeur of Doncaster’s finest Grade I listed building, all decorated for Christmas. Waterdale is a temporary home to Father Christmas’s Reindeer between 4:00pm and 5:30pm and will lead nicely into the main stage event in Sir Nigel Gresley Square. Sir Nigel Gresley Square - From 4pm Trax FM will host a mainstage and the square will be framed with traditional wooden style chalets bringing a traditional Christmas to life. There’ll be more free hot chestnuts and more mulled wine as well as food and drink to fill your tummy and keep you warm.8

There are more rides and attractions with a Christmas theme as well as a whole host ofcharacters for you to meet and take photos with - not only Christmas characters butDisney style sing along Princesses and Princes and even an appearance from Spider Manand Captain America!Don’t miss the Snow Globe, another free to enjoy attraction this Christmas with souvenirphotos to take home. You can join our Visit Doncaster team in our chalet to talk to us about allthings Christmas and get a flavour of the great developments coming to our town in 2018.On the main stage in Sir Nigel Gresley Square we have local dance group Clark School ofDance, panto snippets from the Little Theatre as well as Disney singalongs with Minnie andMickey as well as a spectacular Princess set and show stopping Frozen finale. There’s alsothe Council Choir and a performance from Violinist Alexandra Parker before the grand finaleof Britain’s Got Talent finalists, The Pensionalities.Drawing the event to a close with a bang will be the turning on of the lights and a fireworksdisplay over the town centre.Treasure Hunt CompetitionAs part of the Countdown to Christmas event we have launched a fabulous treasure huntacross town. All you need to do is visit ALL twelve locations marked on the map and get yourstar. Once you have all 12 stars then hand your entry in to the Tourist information Centre, nolater than midday Monday 27 November. We will select 3 winners at random who will receivethe Countdown to Christmas Golden Ticket which entitles them to ride all the towns’ ridesright up to Christmas for FREE. There’s a prize for the grown-ups too with market voucherson offer to the parents/guardians of the 3 winners.Below is the entry form to place your stars and remember to complete your personaldetails so we can contact you if you win.Name: Age: Postcode:Email address:Phone number: 9

P SHOPMOBILITY FOOD INTERCHANGE DEBENHAMS CHURCH VIEW GREY F MALL UPPER WEST MALL MINSTER NEXT UPPER C WOPOFHFSSITCMEITH N WEST MALL SOUTH MALL O GALLERY TAXI UPP BOOTS RTH BOOTS ER MA L L T‘RO’YUSS WILKINSON FRENCHGATE M&S ST GEORGES GATETRAFFORD WAY P SOUTH MALL WEST MALL NORTH MALL HOUSE OF P SAINSBURYS TK MAXX FRASER WEST LAITH GATE GATE ST SEPULCHRE BAXTERGATEA630 GATE TAXI C HR E PLACE ST S MANSION HOUSE E PU L PRIORY HIGH STREET PRINTING OFFICE STREET DUKE STREET PRIORY WALK SCOT LANE SPRING GARDENS COLONNADES BOWER FOLD P SILVER STRE STREET WOOD STREET YOUNG STREET Village P P PC L E V E LAND PP The HALLGATE at Waterdale P P SIR NIGSEQLUGARREESLEY P10 COIVFFICICE

A1FRIARS’ ROAD CHURCH STREET P PCOLLEGECHURCH WAY Key: P Parking P COACHESHIGH FISHERGATE Tourist Information MARKET PLACE Performance areas Registry O ces Religious CentresPRIMARKGOOSE HILL MARKET ROAD 1. Cultman Collectables- Bowers Fold 2. ALPHA Rooms - Scot Lane MARKET PLACE COPLEY ROAD NETHER 3. Ti any Fashion - Cleveland StreetRS HALL 4. Masons Arms - Market Square SUNNY BAR 5. Bradley Knipe - High Street 6. Lynnies Lunch Stop - Market Place NETHERHALL ROAD 7. Anarchy Hair Salon - Priory Walk EAST LAITH GATE 8. Mercure Danum Hotel - High Street 9. Armitage’s Sweets - Goose Hill 10. Patsy Anne Babywear - Corn Exchange 11. The Lovely Little Gift Shop - Frenchgate 12. Dazzle - Frenchgate BUS TO & FROM INTERCHANGEET P DONCASTER P LITTLE THEATRE KING STREET THORNE ROAD 11

Doncaster Mansion House If you’ve never stepped foot inside Doncaster Mansion House then this Christmas you have plenty of opportunity to do so. The Mansion House will be a part of the Countdown to Christmas event on November 18 where staff will be serving mince pies and mulled wine all day as well as hosting numerous musical performances – check out the days details on page 8. There will also be a special Jane Austen themed event inside the Mansion House as part of the day’s festivities. Or you could indulge and dine within the elegance of the Mansion House this December. From a three course meal in the Great Kitchen to afternoon teas in the Tearoom you’ll enjoy not only the surroundings and the food but also an experience of bygone years. Dates are available throughout December, vouchers available too. Call the Tourist Information Centre on 01302 734309 or call in person to book. Doncaster Libraries at Christmas Doncaster Central Library is a part of the Countdown to Christmas on November 18 with family stories and crafts at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. On Tuesday afternoon’s until Christmas, the Central Library will host stay and play sessions for parents of younger children with songs, stories and crafts from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Libraries across Doncaster will host regular Christmas and winter themed story times and craft and they’ll also be giving out reading advent calendars from BookStart at each story sessions. For further details of what is happening at your community library over Christmas visit our website - library.doncaster.gov.uk or find us on Twitter - @DoncasterLib or Facebook - facebook.com/DoncasterLib12

Cusworth Hall at ChristmasCusworth Hall is a beautiful Grade I listed building set in acres of historic parkland withlakes. Christmas is a great time to visit and this year’s activities begin on 26 Novemberwith ‘Georgian Christmas’. Enjoy free admission to the event from 12noon. Meet Cookin the Great Kitchen and sample her Georgian cooking, enjoy seasonal carols by thefireside performed by the Cusworth Singers, take part in craft activities and find out howChristmas was celebrated at Cusworth Hall in the eighteenth century.Saturday 2 December is ‘Let it Snow’ at 11:30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 2.30pm.There’s something for all the family including making a 3D snowman or Father Christmas,tree decorations, cards, models, masks, puzzles and more! It’s just £1.50 per child, andaccompanying adults go free.Cusworth Hall will celebrate a ‘Victorian family Christmas’ on Sunday 10 December. Dressup in Victorian clothing, make a Christmas card in the Victorian Classroom, listen to astory by the Christmas tree and meet Santa! Children will be treated to a gift from Santaand adults can enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. £10 per child and £3 per adult(limited availability) contact Doncaster Heritage Services to book 01302 782 342. 13

Retail You can shop ‘til you drop in Doncaster this Christmas with loads of exciting gift ideas, great food and drink and don’t forget that special Christmas outfit! But it’s not just about shopping as the town centre has plenty of family fun in store too. Retailers in the town centre including Frenchgate begin late night Thursday trading on 23 November and will be open until 8pm throughout the period from 18 – 22 December. Frenchgate Shopping Centre opens their grotto on Saturday 11 November so make sure you plan your visit and write your list to hand to the man himself. There’s also more grotto fun at Lakeside Village from 18 November with not only their grotto but also free to play winter crazy golf and a very special Elf Scanner that will be able to tell whether you’re on the naughty or good list. The Village at Waterdale has its regular opening hours and shops that will help you find gifts for even the most difficult person to shop for, whether that’s the specialist Lego emporium Brickin It or how about retro and unusual from the eclectic range available at Rewind. Check out page 6 for the extended markets opening hours and make sure your Christmas table has plenty of fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetables from the heart of the town centre. There are regular markets too in Mexborough and once again a very special Christmas market event in Bawtry on 26 November with over 40 stalls in and around the Market Place. Why not try the Christmas Market at the Mount Pleasant Hotel on 26 and 27 November too. For that unique shopping experience don’t miss the Yorkshire Wildlife Park Christmas Fair on 9/10 and 16/17 December. Over 100 stalls and entry to the park too all with live music, entertainment, food and drink and lots of shopping! Boston Park Farm in Hatfield Woodhouse has a charity Christmas Fayre on 19 November and for something completely different check out the pay as you feel charity Book Fair at Doncaster Brewery & Tap in the heart of the town centre from 1 to 3 December.14

Community EventsThere’s loads going on the length and breadth of Doncaster this Christmas, here’s a taste ofsome of the community based events. For more details of these including tickets, times and fulldescriptions please visit www.visitdoncaster.com/whats-onNovember 19 Bawtry Illuminate Mayflower PilgrimsNovember 23 Tickhill Christmas Lights Turn On November 23/24 Askern Miners Welfare Jack and the BeanstalkNovember 25 Christmas Fayre The Ark Rossington Holmescarr CentreNovember 25 Mexborough Mexborough Christmas PartyNovember 25 Hatfield Church Christmas FayreNovember 26 Askern Lake Christmas FayreNovember 26 Bawtry Bawtry Christmas Market eventDecember 1 Hatfield Library Christmas FairDecember 1 Hatfield Carols and Tower Lights switch onDecember 2 Hooton Pagnell Pop up Christmas shopDecember 3 Tickhill Jingle Bell JogDecember 8 Hall Cross Academy Rock with LaughterDecember 8 St Mary’s School Tickhill Abbeydale SingersDecember 9 Priory Place Methodist Doncaster Choral Society (Bach)December 17 Woodfield Park Beauty and the BeastDecember 24 Tickhill Carols round the ButtercrossChristmas TreesThis year sees a whole new location in Bawtry to buy that special tree. Bawtry foresttrees are now available from the Bawtry Paintball Fields site on the Great North Roadfrom 20 November. In addition to choosing your tree there’s a café and walk-through giftarea too. Complete with floodlights the site has longer opening hours for 2017.Christmas in Doncaster 2017Whether it’s checking your bin collection day, schools re-opening days, libraries or theCivic Office opening hours or our emergency out of hour’s service, all the information youneed for Christmas in Doncaster can be found at: www.doncaster.gov.uk/Christmas. 15

A Christmas Evening with Lesley Garrett and Special Guests Tuesday 19 December 7pm Doncaster MinsterDoncaster MinsterDoncaster Minster offers a warm welcome to everyone this Christmas, more details of thespecial services below are at www.visitdoncaster.com/whats-onDecember 3 Advent Carol Service 4.30pmDecember 14 NHS Carol Service 5.00pmDecember 15 Choirs of Doncaster Minster and South Yorkshire Police 7pmDecember 16 Co-op Charity Concert & Wheatsheaf Singers 7pmDecember 17 Christingle Service 4.30pmDecember 19 Lesley Garrett and Guests 7pmDecember 24 Service of Nine lessons and Carols 3.00pmDecember 24 Christmas Midnight Mass 11.30pmDecember 25 Christmas Day Services 8.30am/11.00am www.visitdoncaster.com16

Here’s to a very happy2018…There are lots of changes coming in 2018 as part of our work with partnersknown as Doncaster Growing Together. This is now a set of concrete plans fornow and big ideas for the future. Doncaster’s story is inspirational – the boroughhas come a long way in a short space of time and the place is better than it hasbeen for years.It’s now our ambition to grow it even further in a whole host of ways –so Doncaster is a great place to learn, work, live and care.• W e will be starting the new railway station car park in January with completion in March. Works around the station will continue throughout 2018 to complete the new look in 2019. This will include junction changes on Trafford Way, a new canopy and a total new look to the front of the station where the existing car park is now.• The Woolmarket transformation works will start in January 2018 and re-open in December 2018.• Work will also see the extension of the Markets Car Park which will be complete in 2019.• Improvement works through the Quality Streets programme will start in Summer 2018 on Hallgate and Silver Street to be complete early in 2019.• A new bridge will be constructed to provide access to the new Network Rail Maintenance Headquarters at Grey Friars Bridge. Work is scheduled to commence in July 2018.• Work on the new Cinema, next door to Cast along with associated restaurants will commence in 2018.• The new Library, Museum and Archives building on the former Girls School site will also begin in 2018.We are ambitious for Doncaster and even though resources are tight, we believe by working togetherwe can achieve great things and help our borough thrive. Here’s what we will be doing in 2018.We hope to keep the inconvenience to a minimum but please bear with us as webuild a new and thriving town centre.For more information visit www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/the-council-democracy/doncaster-growing-togetherSome schemes subject to further planning processes. 17

ENCHANTEDBRODSWORTHFri 15 – Sat 23 December 4pm – 8.30pmThis Christmas, bring along • Explore our illuminated garden trailall the family to a wonderlandof colourful lights, festive • Have a go on traditionalfood and an audience with fairground rides and stallsFather Christmas. • Toast marshmallows on the fire and sample festive food BOOK YOUR TICKETS AT www.english-heritage.org.uk/enchanted Brodsworth, South Yorkshire DN5 7XJRegistered charity no. 1140351 (England). Registered company no. 07447221 (England).