A host of prizes, including tickets to the panto can be won in a special Christmas treasure trail in Stafford.

More than 20 town centre shops and businesses are taking part in the competition for people to hunt for magic lamps - to coincide with this year’s Stafford Gatehouse Theatre panto, Aladdin.  

Children and families will be asked to find the numbered lamps in and around the town centre - and, if they locate them all, will be in with a chance of winning some great prizes.

People can pick up an entry form from Stafford Gatehouse Theatre or from any participating shops or businesses from Saturday 21 November to coincide with the Christmas Lights being switched on in town. The competition will run until Sunday 13 December.

Completed entry forms need to be posted in the festive letter box at the Gatehouse Theatre and will be drawn from Tuesday 15 December with family tickets for the panto and the Enchanted Light trail at Betley Court in Crewe, restaurant and shop vouchers, and other great prizes on offer.

The trail is a collaboration between Stafford Borough Council, the Gatehouse Theatre and local businesses, and is one of several Christmas themed events taking place in the festive period.

Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure, at the Borough Council, said there were plenty of reasons for shoppers and visitors to come into the county town at this time of the year.

She said: “I am really pleased so many of our town centre businesses have supported this treasure trail with some great prizes on offer and great fun for those taking part.  

“The Christmas lights being switched on is always a wonderful attraction and now this fantastic treasure trail, along with all the other events taking place in the town, provides yet another reason for more people to come into Stafford to shop, eat and enjoy the run up to the big day.”

Along with the traditional lights switch on in the Market Square, other town centre events include a Festive Farmers Market, Christmas Through the Ages at the Ancient High House, and the famous Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church.

Aladdin opens on Friday 4 December and runs until Sunday 3 January 2027. Further information can be found at www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk

Press Release Number 6344