KEYNSHAM Winter Festival returns next month with the theme of Sparkly Lights and Starry Nights.
The event, organised by the town council, will retain its successful Saturday daytime format, running from 12 noon to 6pm on November 29.
It will feature over 60 Christmas market stalls and performances from Keynsham-based musicians and dance groups.
There will be plenty of festive fun in the High Street and beyond, including free face-painting in the library, stilt walkers, and the popular fun fair on Market Walk.
Festival-goers can enjoy the return of the free Santa’s Grotto on Riverside Square near the leisure centre, which is being sponsored by Smart Computers and supported by the South West UK Virtual Lions Club.
There will be two performance stages. The one in front of the old Post Office on the High Street will showcase performances by Stage Coach, Two Rivers School, Choir Jam and many more, while ‘Choir Corner’ will return to Temple Court (behind Savour Farm Shop and Kitchen on Temple Street) with solo artists and choirs performing in a cosy and intimate space.
Internationally acclaimed concert pianist Nurry Lee will return to Keynsham to play on the Community Piano. Information on the times and location will be published in the event programme available soon.
Katherine Sears, deputy town clerk of Keynsham Town Council, said: “We are 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. We have had a really positive response from the public and traders. It’s going to be a great day.”
The Memorial Baubles project will again be part of the festival. Fifty clear Christmas baubles will be available at Keynsham Farmer’s Market on Saturday October 11 which people can fill with messages, photos and trinkets in memory of their loved ones. The baubles will take pride of place on the community Christmas tree in the library during the festive season.
High Street businesses will be invited to take part in a festive window display competition, whose winner will be announced at the festival.
Local children can take part in a colouring competition to win a prize and have their works of art displayed in the window of the town council office in Temple Street. Colouring sheets will be available at the office in the run-up to the festival.
Joining this year’s headline sponsors Smart Computers are Bargain Booze, Simply Carpets, FDC Law Solicitors,
IJ McGill, Muse Dental, W&W Memorials, Dyenamix Hair and Beauty, Wards Solicitors, Meryton Place, Pie and Lattes Pilates Studio, Olivia’s, and Rose Holistic Therapies.
For more details on sponsorship packages or about the festival itself, look out for updates on the town council’s Facebook or Instagram pages, visit its website or contact Katherine Sears, deputy town clerk, on 0117 9868683 or email deputytownclerk@keynsham-tc.gov.uk.
Photo of last year’s festival by Mike May
Keynsham Winter Festival to make a sparkling return
