THE annual Calne Christmas Festival of Lights and Lantern Parade takes place this Saturday 30th November - here is a run down of what will be happening and what to look out for.
The fun starts from 1pm on Saturday, when the streets of Calne will be lined with stalls selling all kinds of goodies from independent traders, local community groups and charities as well as a variety of food outlets in Bank Row.
Christmas is a time for giving and this year there is a lovely opportunity to do just that, the Christmas Tree in the Town Hall foyer, will for one day only, become the Christmas Gift Tree.
Visitors are invited to pick a tag from the tree and provide a gift for a child to open on Christmas day. The tags hold information on a local disadvantaged child. The idea is simple - read the information, buy a suitable gift for that child and hand it in, unwrapped, in a gift bag with the tag, to Bank House before 16th December.
There will be a live animal Nativity with Farms 2Ewe on Bank Row and choirs singing on the main stage outside the Town Hall where you will also find Calne's own radio station - Eartunes Radio.
Jennings Fair will be set up in the Lower Sainsbury's car park and the Calne Springs Market will be in Phelps Parade.
Little ones will enjoy a visit to see Santa in his grotto located in the Town Hall - Council Chamber from 1.30pm to 3pm and again at 5pm to 6pm.
Don't forget to pop in to St Mary's Church to see the Christmas Light Festival featuring trees decorated by local groups and businesses.
Keep your eyes peeled for street entertainers spreading some festive joy throughout the day too.
The lantern parade will leave Bremhill View at 3.45pm heading into town for the big switch on, when the town's Christmas lights will be switched on for 2024 followed by a fireworks finale at 4.45pm.
The A4 is closed from 1pm to 6pm between the Curzon Street roundabout and the New Road/Station Road roundabout.
Resident only access from the Curzon Street roundabout to Market Hill between 1pm – 3pm and from 5.30pm-6pm.
No vehicle access during 3pm-5.30pm to Market Hill or to Patford Street. No access to the Church Street car park during the A4 road closure – exit only turning left towards London Road – no exit between 4.00pm-5.30pm.
Church Street is closed between the A4 and junction with Mill Street 12pm – 7pm. The inbound diversion route is Brewers Lane/ Piggy Hill from London Road.
Cox’s Hill by the Town Hall is closed 12pm-7pm. To access Patford Street use Curzon Street, Market Hill, Castle Street until 3pm. No access then until 5.30pm.
No access from Oxford Road or Curzon Street into North Street whilst the parade is underway.
No buses will serve the Town Hall stop between 1pm – 6pm – nearest stops are Curzon Street or Oxford Road.
Access for emergency services vehicles will be maintained.
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