KEYNSHAM Winter Festival returns next month on a new day and with new timings.
The event, organised by the town council, has traditionally been held on a Friday night.
But this year it will take place on Saturday November 30 from 12pm-7pm.
Attractions will include Christmas market stalls, local musicians and dancers, free family activities and a fun fair.
The free Santa’s Grotto sponsored by MG Estate Agents, will also return, with the support of the South West UK Virtual Lions Club.
The festival will also feature two performance stages, one by the Methodist Church on the High Street and a second in Temple Court, behind the Savour shop on Temple Street.
Free face painting will be available on the second floor of the library.
“We’re really excited about the new day for the Winter Festival as it allows festival-goers of all ages more time to enjoy the event and not feel they need to rush from activity to activity,” said Katherine Sears, deputy town clerk.
“We’ve had a really positive response from the public and traders to the change of day and time. It’s going to be a great day and we’re looking forward to kicking off the festive season with all the community.”
Alongside the Winter Festival, the town council will hold its second annual Christmas Jumper Swap after a successful first year.
The town council will be encouraging residents to swap their unwanted jumper for another at one of its ‘swap days’ or leave their donation at Keynsham Leisure Centre drop-off point. The first swap day will be at the Somerset Farmers’ Market on Saturday October 12.
Back again for 2024, the memorial baubles project will also be launched at the October farmers’ market.
Residents will be able to honour lost loved ones by decorating a memorial bauble for the community Christmas tree in the Memorial Park. Fifty clear Christmas baubles will be made available at the farmers’ market for people to fill with memories, photos and trinkets. The town council will then hang the baubles on the tree during the festive season.
“We hope this allows people a way to pay tribute to those that they wish were with them this holiday season,” said Katherine. “It was a popular addition to the Winter Festival last year and we’re pleased to do it again this year.”
In addition to Winter Festival, local businesses in the town centre will stay open until 9pm for late-night shopping on Thursday December 5.
For more information on the Winter Festival, Christmas jumper swap, memorial baubles, or late-night shopping, visit the Keynsham Town Council website, its Facebook or Instagram pages, or contact Katherine Sears on 0117 9868683 or email deputytownclerk@keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Photo of last year’s Winter Festival by Mike May
New day and times for Keynsham Winter Festival
