Doubly merry Lynn Christmas
Lynn is heading for a bumper Christmas with all the stops being pulled out to attract shoppers to town in the run-up to the big day.
A Santa's Grotto complete with animated eskimos and polar bears, is destined for an empty shop in Broad Street where hi-tech meets traditional with a virtual sleigh ride for visitors.
West Norfolk Council spokesman John Birchall said: "We believe this is the first grotto of this kind the town has ever had."
It is also hoped real reindeer will be paying a town centre visit in the run-up to festivities.
"The reindeer have been booked but we are waiting to hear from the owners if the recent spread of Blue Tongue will in any way affect the booking," Mr Birchall said.
Reindeer are among those animals affected by movement restrictions imposed following the recent outbreak of the disease in Suffolk.
Around 70,000 is also being spent as the borough council and Vancouver Quarter revamp the Christmas lights display which will feature low-energy bulbs, because, said Mr Birchall, they are brighter, compact, last longer and consume less power.
Festive lighting will also be placed around the ice-skating rink which is being brought into the Tuesday Market Place from its current home at the Oasis Sports and Leisure Centre in Hunstanton.
Controversy met the decision to move the rink, with Hunstanton residents outraged it was losing the eco-friendly attraction at a time of year when it is thought the resort needs it.
There were also concerns the rink will disrupt parking in Lynn at a time when the town centre is at its busiest with Christmas shoppers.
However, a spokesman for West Norfolk Council previously told the Lynn News: "The rink was specifically purchased for its portability to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to enjoy skating.
"In addition to this, it was felt that it would add extra sparkle to Lynn's festive charms and provide an excellent centre-piece."
The rink is due to open the night of the Christmas lights switch-on, Friday, November 23. The event is expected to kick off at 5pm with street entertainment and live music from local band Blue Tubes.
The switch-on itself will be about 6.30pm, the night also promoting late-night Christmas shopping in Lynn, which, from the 23rd, will be on a Thursday and a Friday evening – an extra night each week, compared to pervious year.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
