The festive countdown gets underway on Friday 27th November as the Christmas lights are switched on in the town Square at 6.15 pm by special guest Simon Bates.
Sunday 29th November sees the return of the popular Christmas Flea Market, in the Pannier Market, with more than 60 stalls from across the South West selling everything from vintage household treasures to handmade gifts.
The highlight of South Molton’s Winter Festival is the Winter Wonderland weekend, from Friday 4th December – Sunday 6th December, organised by the South Molton Business Association.
“This is the biggest weekend in South Molton’s calendar,” said David Walker, SMBA Chairman, “It is always great fun, with the town centre full of people, and something for all ages. So please come along and enjoy the festive atmosphere in South Molton that weekend.
“We have late night shopping on the Friday evening and many of the shops and cafes in the town will be open. There will be a lantern parade, street entertainment and vintage fairground rides in the Square, as well as carols sung by children from four schools and music from local bands. In the Pannier Market, more than 60 stallholders will be taking part in our special Christmas market complete with a Santa’s Grotto. Then in the Assembly Rooms above the Pannier Market we have a festive gift fair.
Upstairs@WinterWonderland, with plenty of unusual and special gift ideas, organised by Once Upon a Time Nostalgic Fairs, who will also be serving refreshments. This gift fair continues all day on the Saturday. Also we will be joined on Saturday by characters from ‘Frozen’ who will be performing songs from the film in the Square from 1pm – 3pm. If your family loved the film, you are in for a treat. The children will be able to have their photos taken with Anna and Elsa.”
On Sunday 6th December, the Pannier Market plays host to the popular Christmas Fatstock Show with livestock classes, competitions, displays, gifts and handicrafts. This year the Fatstock Show will be raising money for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. “We are very pleased to support the DAAT. It is such a wonderful service that we all find reassuring to have on our doorstep,” said Michael Edwards, Fatstock Show Committee Chairman. “Together with the SMBA events on the Friday and Saturday, there will be something for everybody to make the weekend unforgettable, it’s not to be missed.”
Visitors to South Molton during the Winter Festival can also enjoy the Christmas Tree Festival in St Mary Magdalen Church. Organiser Margaret White is expecting more than 100 trees in the church. “The Christmas Tree Festival brings the whole town together, with trees decorated by schools, local groups and businesses. We are inviting people to step away from the bustle of the town centre for a few moments to see the trees in the church. It really is a magical atmosphere, and I think it adds something very special to the whole Christmas experience, which adults and children can enjoy. You can view the trees between 3rd and 7th December.”
Winter Wonderland weekend events summary:
Friday 4th December: 4.30pm – 9pm - Late night shopping with many of the town centre shops and cafes open, and a special Christmas market in the Pannier Market, including Santa’s Grotto. Festive gift fair, Upstairs@WinterWonderland, in the Assembly Rooms.
Saturday 5th December: Traditional Pannier Market, with festive food and drinks and plenty of gift ideas. Santa’s Grotto 10.30 – 12pm. Upstairs@WinterWonderland from 9am – 3pm. Street entertainment. Characters from ‘Frozen’ performing songs from the film in the Square 1pm – 3pm.
Sunday 6th December: 9.30am – 5pm - Christmas Fatstock Show in the Pannier Market, with livestock classes, displays, competitions, gifts, handicrafts and vintage tractors on show.
