The Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre officially started on 21st November, with one of the major highlights being the opening parade sponsored by Marham Park, Countryside’s new village style development in Bury St Edmunds.
Six local schools invested their time and creativity to build an inspired collection of giant puppets, which were paraded through various locations in the town centre before reaching their destination at Angel Hill, declaring the Christmas Fayre officially open.
Following the Marham Park Children’s Parade, a spectacular fireworks display ensued at the Abbey Gardens, marking the end of a successful first day. The Abbey Gardens had a magical atmosphere that included over 100 stalls, free children’s entertainment, real reindeer and Santa and his elves in their workshop.
Andrew Carrington, Managing Director, Housebuilding (Strategic Land), Countryside, says: “We are delighted to have sponsored this year’s Christmas parade, which is one of the highlights in Bury St Edmunds every year. As in previous years, it was an excellent way to spark the Christmas spirit and inaugurate the Christmas Fayre. Well done to all the schoolchildren, who for one afternoon transformed Bury St Edmunds into a beautiful sea of colour with their imaginative creations”.
He adds: “As a village style development, Marham Park is strongly driven by the values of family and community, both of which firmly resonate here at the Christmas Fayre”.
Julie Baird, Assistant Director for Growth at West Suffolk Council said: “The Christmas Fayre involves the support and involvement of lots of community groups and businesses and the opening night parade is a brilliant example of this, with local school children helping get the Christmas Fayre underway in spectacular style. Our thanks to them and to all those taking part in the fayre festivities and also to our local business sponsors including Marham Park.”
Held at various locations in the town centre, the award-winning Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre is now in its 18th year and hosts over 300 stalls, cookery demonstrations, live music, entertainment and more. Year-on-year, the event welcomes over 120,000 visitors, as well as renowned traders from the rest of the UK and mainland Europe. Those searching for the perfect Christmas gifts will certainly find a lot to inspire them, with handmade gifts, fine art, jewellery and much more to choose from.
The Christmas Fayre will be open noon to 8pm on Thursday, 9 am to 8 pm on Friday and Saturday and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. As in previous years, West Suffolk Council has been responsible for all the planning, which has grown over the years to become Bury St Edmunds’ largest annual event.
