Calne Christmas Festival of Lights takes place this Saturday, 30th November and it looks set to be bigger than ever, so here is our guide of what to see and do.
The theme this year is a Dickensian Christmas and the fun starts from 12pm and runs to 6pm. With over 74 local traders stalls adorning the High Street and Town Hall and Calne Springs Market, there will be lots to see and do. A variety of festive entertainment and carol singing will take place throughout the day :
CHRISTMAS CHOIRS
The Town Hall, Calne Free Church, St Mary's Church and Calne Heritage Centre will play host to a variety of choirs from Calne and neighbouring towns providing a festive soundtrack to the day.
SANTA'S GROTTO
The grotto is open in Calne Town Hall to visit Santa, sponsored by Chilvester Financial
Opening times are 12.30 - 1.45
2.45 - 3.45
5,15 - 6.00 (dependent on Lantern Parade finish)
CALNE POP-UP PARK
In the Pop-Up Park you will find a Live Nativity with a real donkey, miniature ponies, goats and sheep. Eco Christmas presents and workshops to make your own decorations. Enjoy a hot drink and mince pie!
MEET MRS POSSER
From 12pm you can visit Mrs Posser inthe Corn Exchange of the Town Hall. Mrs Posser has travelled from times of old, dressed in Dickensian attire and using authentic kitchen utensils and equipment, Mrs Posser will be holding cookery demonstrations, sharing facts and recipe cards so you can try her recipes yourself.
STREET ENTERTAINMENT
Festive Foxley will be riding amongst the crowds on his Penny Farthing bicycle. He will be performing tricks and showing off his magic skills.
Bert Arthur the Victorian Street Sweep will be mingling with you and look out for comedy cockney fairy Betty Twinkle.
Betty Twinkle is an old Victorian fairy, full of cockney ‘good cheer all around’, riding on the back of Robin, her red breasted giant magical robin who seems to know who has or has not been good.
Robin whistles classic Christmas songs whilst Betty works her magic with fairy dust, snow and chocolate gold coins for those whose behaviour passes Robin’s rigorous tests.
Jennings Fair will be in the lower Sainsbury's car park and BBC Wiltshire and Eartunes Radio will be on the Main Stage broadcasting live.
The lantern parade will leave from Bremhill View at 4.30pm ready for the Firework finale at 5pm
Supported By: BBC Wiltshire, The Hills Group, Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, J. J & S Transport Ltd, Chilvester Financial, Calne Lions, Eartunes Radio, St Mary's School Sports Centre and Haines Construction!
