KIRKLEES markets are being jazzed up in time for Christmas this year – literally.

The eight markets operated by Kirklees Council will be getting into the spirit of things with plenty of live music from local musicians and bands.

Children’s entertainers and free face painting will also be offered for youngsters.

Markets boss Clr David Sheard said the new musical additions would be a welcome boost to the markets.

He added: “It’s something different and will be a welcome break from the piped music you get in stores at this time of year.”

Santa will be moving into his Queensgate Market grotto on December 3 and will be opening the ice-rink with the Mayor of Kirklees at 5pm.

Santa will then be in the grotto from noon to 5pm every Monday to Saturday, and until 8pm on Thursdays December 3, 10 and 17.

The list of musical fun includes:

Heckmondwike Market:

December 15 – John Taylor will be playing Christmas music. December 19 and 22 – children’s entertainer Mr McWhitty.

Dewsbury Market:

December 9 – Eclipse Jazz Quartet; December 12 – Silver Bell Parade Band; December 16 – Jazz Impressions and children’s entertainer Mr McWhitty; December 19 – Bejazzled Trio and children’s entertainer Mr McWhitty; December 23 – The Eclipse Jazz Quartet. On December 27 there will be a car boot sale.

Batley Market:

December 11 will include music from Jazz Impressions; December 18 – Pennine Jazz Trio.

Birstall Market:

December 10 – Alamo Jazz Duo; December 17– accordion music from John Taylor.

Cleckheaton Market:

December 12 – free face painting for children on Saturday and Monday; December 21 – music from John Taylor and free face painting; December 19 – Alamo Jazz Duo.

Holmfirth Market:

Santa will be in his grotto during December. December 19 – music from Honley Brass Band; December 20 – at the farmer’s market music from Hugh Barwell.

Huddersfield Market:

December 12 music from the Pennine Jazz Trio; December 14 – The Silver Bell Parade Band; December 15 – the Bejazzled Trio and Santa’s grotto; December 17 – Andy Hillier Quartet; December 19 – Jazz Impressions and free face painting; December 21 – Andy Hillier Quartet and Santa’s grotto; December 22 – music from the Eclipse Jazz Quartet and Santa’s Grotto.

Queensgate Market:

December 12 – Jazz Impressions; December 13 – Andy Hillier Quartet; December 19 – Pennine Jazz Trio; December 20 – Eclipse Jazz Quartet; December 21 – Bejazzled Trio; December 22 – Silver Bell Parade Band and free face painting; December 23 – Andy Hillier Quartet.

Queensgate Market is open on Sundays from 10.30am until 4.30pm and late night Thursday until 8.30pm throughout December.

For more information please contact the markets office on 01484 223730.