Here’s what’s happening at this year’s Beverley Festival of Christmas:
Friday, 14 November: Flemingate Christmas Lights Switch On
The start of Christmas festivities in Beverley sees a range of entertainment, music and fireworks from 5.00 to 7.30pm including the chance to visit a range of retailers and restaurants on site. There will be a festive stage at Flemingate to drive excitement for the Christmas lights switch on.
From now until to Wednesday, 31 December: Reindeer Rampage
Help round up the herd for Father Christmas by taking part in this year’s Reindeer Rampage Christmas Trail around Beverley town centre. Pick up a free trail map and reindeer mask from the Tourist Information Desk at the Champney Treasure House for a chance to win a fantastic prize. For more information visit: Beverley Reindeer Rampage
Friday, 5 to Sunday, 14 December: Beverley Minster Christmas Tree Festival
A twinkling collection of more than 150 Christmas trees will be on display in Beverley Minster. Entry costs £5 for adults and free entry for accompanying children (under 18). Visit beverleyminster.org.uk for more information including late night opening times.
Saturdays in December: Festive Saturday Markets
Beverley’s weekly Saturday Market will continue throughout December, with a special festive edition on Saturday, 13 December prior to the Beverley Festival of Christmas.
Sunday, 14 December: Beverley Festival of Christmas
The Beverley Festival of Christmas, supported by The Beverley Arms, will return for its 29th year, transforming the historic town into a Christmas shoppers’ wonderland with more than 120 stalls.
Santa and his reindeer will be joining the celebrations as part of the parade from 10am and there will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained, with fairground rides, food and drink, amazing Christmas gifts, birds of prey and the sound of brass bands drifting through the December air. The parade will travel from Wednesday Market through to Saturday Market where there will a reindeer pen.
North Bar’s Georgian Quarter will also feature traders from East Yorkshire and an interactive ice sculpture.
Alongside the Festival of Christmas, those looking for a break from the crowds can pop into Beverley Guildhall, visit: eastridingmuseums.co.uk for more information or Toll Gavel United Church for Christmas tunes, local choirs and refreshments on offer throughout the day, see: tollgavelchurch.org.uk
East Riding Theatre will also be running its festive production, The Snow Queen from Thursday, 4 to Saturday, 27 December with tickets available at: www.eastridingtheatre.co.uk
St Mary’s Church, North Bar Within, will be filled with Christmas music and a warm welcome. Marvel at the wonderful architecture, ceiling of golden stars and stained-glass windows and join in with Christmas carols. Mini Carol Services from 10 – 10.30am, 11 – 11.30am, 12.30 – 1pm, 2 – 2.30pm and 3 – 3.30pm. Refreshments will be available including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, mulled wine, mince pies. Children’s activities include making stained glass windows, angels and stars. There is no charge, but donations will be gratefully received.
And finally, Flemingate Shopping Centre will be hosting a range of festive family entertainment, a Nordic tipi bar, character visits and festive goats, as well as live music and children’s funfair rides. Visit: www.flemingate.co.uk
Rick Bailey, executive chairman at Thwaites, which owns The Beverley Arms and is sponsoring the Festival of Christmas event for the sixth year running, said: “We’re really proud to be part of The Beverley Festival of Christmas again this year. It’s such a special event that brings everyone together and shows off what makes the town so great.
“The Beverley Arms has always been about community and supporting something that puts smiles on local faces and welcomes visitors to enjoy Beverley at its best just feels right.”
Keep up to date with everything going on in Beverley this Christmas at: beverleyfestivalofchristmas.co.uk
