Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre takes place on Friday 26th till Sunday 28th November.
Incredibly it will be even bigger than before with Christmas Chalets in Charter Square in ARC, stalls in The Apex and in Moyses Hall as well as those on Angel Hill, The Athenaeum and the Abbey Gardens. There will be loads of street entertainment over the three days and carol services in the Cathedral.
The Fayre is open from 10.00am till 7.00pm on Friday and Saturday and from 10.00 am till 5.00pm on Sunday.
Last year the Fayre attracted 70,000 visitors and 130 coaches came from all over the country and there are even more coach trips booked this year. That's an awful lot of people and it gets quite congested at times. However, to get the most out of the fayre and avoid the crowds here are a few tips for local people:-
Come after 4.00pm on Friday or Saturday as most of the coach tours will have left, it is less crowded and parking is easier. You will be able to find a seat in a coffee shop more easily and the Fayre also looks beautiful in the evening when it is lit up. Don't book a hair or chiropody appointment or get married in town that weekend unless you absolutely know you'll make it on time!
Take the bus or train if you can as parking can be difficult. However, if you want to come by car then the park and ride will operate again from Kempson Way, Moreton Hall and from Olding Road, off Western Way.
Greene King is also opening its staff car park (400 spaces) on Saturday and Sunday. Drive in the entrance in Cullum Road and walk through the Brewery Tap to the Fayre - stop for a drink and the loo. Or you can go through the Theatre Royal - more drinks, dressing up for kids and loos! There will be a Kids Zone at the Mustow Street end of the Abbey Gardens and even more loos!
If you want to drive across the town then avoid Eastgate Street and Crown Street. Angel Hill will be closed to traffic from 9.30am on Thursday 25th to 9.00pm on Sunday 28th November.
For full details of the Fayre visit www.burystedmunsdschristmasfayre.co.uk
