West Suffolk supports Newmarket Christmas event with free parking

12 Nov 2026

People going to Newmarket’s Christmas light switch on will be able to park for free as West Suffolk Council supports the town’s busiest night of the year.

The Love Newmarket event takes place on Friday 20 November. The popular event is expected to draw crowd to the town to the benefit of cafes, restaurants, shops and other business there.

West Suffolk Council is making its town centre car parks in Newmarket free from 4pm on the day.

As well as free parking, both the Guineas car park and toilets will stay open later to 9pm while additional street cleaning will also take place on the Saturday morning.

Cllr Dave Taylor, Cabinet Member for Operations at West Suffolk Council said: “We are delighted to be able to support this special event in Newmarket’s calendar. Christmas is an important time of the year for our town centre businesses. Hopefully the magical Christmas displays, festive feel and added bonus of free parking will all encourage more people to come out and support the town centre businesses.”

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said: “The Christmas lights switch on in Newmarket is a great festive event for all in the community to come out together and enjoy. We are very pleased to support Love Newmarket in arranging for the Guineas car park and toilets to both stay open later and for parking across our car parks to be free from 4pm on the day.”

New to this year’s switch on will be music from Lakenheath Silver Band who will be performing in The Guineas Shopping Centre from 5:30pm to 7pm. Buy food and drink from the nearby businesses then take a seat to enjoy some festive tunes.

Cllr Janne Jarvis, who represents Newmarket North and is championing the town’s market, said: “Newmarket’s Christmas lights switch-on and free parking - what’s not to love. The Christmas lights are always fabulous in Newmarket, and I’m thrilled that West Suffolk Council is getting into the Christmas spirit early to support Love Newmarket’s big night. Wrap up warm, grab a mulled wine and do some Christmas shopping in some local shops. Let’s celebrate turning on the lights in style.”

Natalie Robinson, manager at Love Newmarket said: “We are incredibly grateful to West Suffolk Council for their continued support of the Love Newmarket Christmas Lights Switch On. This event is about so much more than switching on the lights; it brings our community together, creates a real sense of festive excitement and encourages people to spend time in our town centre. For our independent retailers, cafés, pubs and restaurants, the Christmas period is hugely important, particularly at a time when businesses are facing increasing pressures. We want to encourage people to come into Newmarket, enjoy the festivities, shop locally and support the wonderful businesses that make our town so special.”

 

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