The award-winning Beverley Festival of Christmas – now in its 19th year – promises this year to be the best yet, offering traditional favourites alongside new attractions.
The event is one of the largest single-day Christmas festivals of its kind in the country, drawing thousands of people into the town.
This year’s festival, on Sunday 8 December, will offer even more festive treats for all the family.
The event was recently awarded the prestigious REYTA Award for Tourism Event of the Year for the second year running, and was also a finalist in the White Rose Awards.
One of the many highlights of the day is the spectacular opening parade, full of music, marching bands, children’s characters, sleigh-pulling mountain dogs and the star of the show – Santa himself direct from the North Pole, in a sleigh pulled by real-life reindeer.
The festival will be officially opened at 10am by Strictly Come Dancing star Camilla Dallerup, followed by the reindeer parade and official procession. Children will then be able to see the reindeer and Santa up until 2pm in Saturday Market.
Entertainment during the day will include traditional Victorian fairground rides such as swing boats and flying chairs, as well as a falconry exhibition and an English Civil War re-enactment complete with muskets and cannons.
The thoroughbred classic car show is always a popular attraction and new for 2013 will be Christmas donkey rides for the little ones.
Street performers will be entertaining at locations around the town.
As usual one of the most popular features of the festival is the Victorian market, featuring over 120 quality stalls, with the stallholders dressed in Victorian costume. Many of these are artisan producers selling a huge range of crafts, foods, clothes and gifts.
The festival is organised by East Yorkshire Events, and East Riding of Yorkshire Council chairman Councillor Claude Mole said it promises to be a happy and joyous occasion for all ages.
“It is a lovely festive market with lots of variety and plenty of things going on, creating such a magical atmosphere, especially for children, and it is a perfect start to the festive celebrations,” he said.
Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for economy, investment and inequalities, said: “The Beverley Festival of Christmas is one of the East Riding’s most popular events, providing a wonderful opportunity for everyone to enjoy the atmosphere of the festive season.
“It is so important to support local businesses and the festival offers an exceptional showcase of local produce and crafts, in the beautiful setting of this historic market town.”
Join us on the day for mulled wine and mince pies at The Beverley Christmas Pop-Up Shop – 20 North Bar Within, next to Grants Bistro!
A really good day on The Market Place!
I am amazed how they always find a smelly burger van to site under the only residential dwelling on the Market. Oh, sorry, one year they did replace it with a stall that smoked kippers!