Stowmarket’s countdown to annual Christmas Fayre begins with festive events
A Suffolk town is preparing to kick off a range of festive events leading up to its annual Christmas Fayre.
The festivities in Stowmarket will start on Thursday, November 23, with a market of festive food, music and mulled wine and the town’s Christmas lights will also turn on during this event.
Last year, the Christmas lights were activated in accordance with ITV Anglia news presenter Becky Jago hitting the switch at the Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter and St Mary’s Church.
Many residents gathered to watch the lights turn on, but were left disappointed that the event was taking place in the church after believing the event to be in the town centre in Ipswich Street.
The official ‘Stowmarket Christmas Light Switch-On’ event was replaced by the Christmas Fayre in 2019 and the council has not hosted a formal countdown since then.
This year the lights will be turned on during Thursday evening and there will not be a countdown or celebrity guest to press a button.
The council confirmed the lights will just turn on at some point during the afternoon.
A spokesperson for Stowmarket Town Council said: “We’re really excited to host a festive weekend in Stowmarket, there is plenty going on for families to enjoy and we hope it urges them to visit the town centre to support our local businesses and traders.”
The following day on Friday, November 24, more than 360 Christmas trees will be turned on at the Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter and St Mary’s Church and local bowl champions, Katherine and John Rednall, will activate the trees’ lights.
Katherine is a former Stowmarket High School student and a five-time champion in women’s World Indoor Bowls with her first victory at 18.
Her father, John, is a former English International lawn bowls and indoor bowls player with 100 caps for England.
Saturday, November 25, will see families welcomed to the Saturday Market which will include fairground rides, face painting and the market’s regular traders.
The grand finale will take place on Sunday, November 26, with the return of Stowmarket Christmas Fayre from 10am to 4pm.
The fayre will offer festive market stalls, street entertainment, carol singers and a brass band.
The Food Museum is hosting an ice rink and animal experiences while Father Christmas will be making an appearance at The Regal with a live performance and a meet and greet session.
There will also be a craft market at The Mix and Red Gables will have a charity family fun area.
