Free Doncaster Rovers tickets up for grabs at town's Christmas market

Visitors to this year’s Bawtry Christmas lights switch on on Sunday will have the chance to pick up a free match ticket simply by making a donation to The Crown Hotel’s second annual Pass the Parcel Christmas campaign.

The Crown is once again supporting the initiative in partnership with Club Doncaster Foundation and 100Club.

And this year, they’re encouraging even more community involvement by giving away 100 free DRFC tickets to the first 100 people who donate.

With hundreds expected to attend the lights switch-on and festive market, the hotel hopes the event will inspire a surge of donations to help families across Doncaster this Christmas.

Charlotte Lister, Partnerships Manager at The Crown Hotel, said: “The Bawtry Christmas Lights Switch-On brings the whole community together, so it’s the perfect opportunity to encourage people to donate.

"By offering the first 100 donors a free DRFC ticket, we want to make giving both fun and rewarding.

"Last year’s generosity was incredible and with the buzz of the switch-on event, we’re confident we can make an even bigger impact this year.”

The lights switch-on, complete with festive stalls, entertainment, and seasonal treats, provides an ideal backdrop for residents to support the campaign while enjoying the celebrations.

How to get your free ticket:

Simply visit The Crown Hotel’s donation box in the main reception during the Bawtry Christmas Lights Switch-On and bring:

An unwrapped gift for ages newborn to 16

Or non-perishable food

Or hygiene essentials for local foodbanks

The first 100 people to donate at the event will receive a free Doncaster Rovers match ticket as a thank-you.

For anyone unable to attend the switch-on, the donation box will remain open in the hotel’s main reception until Tuesday, 11 December, ensuring volunteers have time to wrap and distribute gifts.

Meanwhile, Doncaster Belles players have given their support to the Spread Cheer Through Bassetlaw campaign following its launch at Worksop College Christmas Market

The Pass the Parcel campaign brings together schools, businesses, community groups, and local partners to support vulnerable residents across Bassetlaw during the winter period.

This year’s Spread Cheer Through Bassetlaw activity focuses on collecting donations for Bassetlaw Food Bank and Bassetlaw Hospital, helping ensure families and patients receive additional support throughout the festive season.

Visitors to the market were invited to collect a donation tag, purchase the suggested item, and return both the tag and donation to Worksop College by 12 December.

Every returned tag counts as one entry into the campaign’s Festive Raffle, featuring prizes generously donated by The Crown Bawtry Collection, including:

Afternoon tea with prosecco at Rossington Hall

A family BBQ experience at Bawtry Hall (for up to 20 guests)

Dinner, bed and breakfast stay at The Crown Hotel, Bawtry

Tickets to 2025/26 home league fixtures with Doncaster Rovers Football Club

Tickets to 2025/26 fixtures with Doncaster Belles Ladies Football Club

Tickets to 2026 fixtures with Doncaster Rugby League Club

Charlotte said: “Launching Spread Cheer Through Bassetlaw at the Worksop College Christmas Market was a brilliant way to extend this year’s Pass the Parcel campaign into Bassetlaw. The support from students, families, and the Doncaster Belles has been fantastic. Every single donation helps us share a little kindness across the community.”

Worksop College will continue collecting donations throughout the festive season, encouraging as many people as possible to get involved and help make a difference.