Woodbridge Town Centre Management Ltd
21 October 2009 - updated 27 November 2009
Christmas in Woodbridge will be extra-special this year with events and offers to help visitors find everything for their yuletide celebrations. Woodbridge will come alive as a market town with two Christmas fairs and there’s even free weekend parking so shoppers can get the most from their festive pound.
The scene is set with traditional white lights on small Christmas trees throughout the historic town centre. Shops will sparkle and glitter as they compete to be the best Christmas Shop Window. Entries range from the traditional to modern; fun and quirky designs are welcomed.
The competition will be judged from 4pm on 1 December with the winner collecting a case of wine sponsored by Gobbitt & Kirby and the coveted engraved shield. Woodbridge shops will be open on Sunday 6th, 13th and 20th December to give visitors extra shopping time.
Requests for stalls: Tim Fincham on 01394 384941
The Woodbridge Christmas Street Fair will take place on Sunday 6 December 10am to 4pm. Organiser Tim Fincham says “The event has been running for over 20 years and it keeps getting bigger and better. This year we’re expecting over 100 stalls with an amazing range of festive gift ideas and tempting treats. There will be home-made food, hand-made Christmas cards, festive wreaths and sparkling decorations, plus jewellery, toys and gorgeous gifts.” Martlesham Brass Band and their carol singers will fill the air with festive music.
Karen Finch from local hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre is arranging a special visit from Santa and his sleigh with his helpers, creating that magical Christmas atmosphere. Santa is expected to arrive between 12 noon and 2pm. There will also be a Punch & Judy show in Cumberland Street for children of all ages to enjoy.
The Christmas Street Fair takes place along Thoroughfare and has become so popular that it now extends into Cumberland Street. FREE parking will be available in the town’s public car parks and at SCDC Melton Hill car park.
On Saturday 12 December, the Woodbridge Festive Market comes to the Shire Hall and Market Hill from 9.30am to 4pm. Richard Ginger of Deben Events, says, "We want to create some of the magical atmosphere of a European-style Christmas market. There will be about 40 stalls at the Woodbridge Festive Market, giving visitors some really unusual ideas for Christmas presents with a difference.
Alongside one-off vintage finds and contemporary homewares, there will be gifts, jewellery and handbags plus a tempting array of locally produced foods. There will also be some beautiful vintage clothes, perfect for the party season."
Contact: Richard Ginger woodbridge.vcmarket@hotmail.com
The 58th Open Air Carol Service will be on Market Hill, Woodbridge, on Monday 21 December 2009. Arranged by The Rotary Club of Woodbridge, the event starts at 6.30pm and is open to everyone. In the midst of the carols, a Christmas tree will be handed over to the Mayor of Woodbridge from the Rotary Club.
Father Christmas has agreed to take some time out of his busy schedule to visit the event and will be bringing sweets for the children. The open air carol service has become a firm favourite with families from Woodbridge and beyond, including today’s grandparents who first went along as children. Organisers expect the event to attract over 700 people.
Some roads around Market Hill will be closed between approximately 6.20pm - 8pm. The event is free, with a collection in aid of the East Anglian Children's Hospice Ipswich, and Sure Start Suffolk.
Contact: Robin Pivett 07775 715733 Robin.Pivett@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
FREE parking at SCDC Melton Hill offices on Saturday 5th, 12th and 19th December (7.30am – 6.30pm) and on Sunday 6th December for the Christmas Street Fair.
On Christmas shopping Sunday 6th, 13th and 20th December there will be FREE parking in the town’s public car parks.
Woodbridge Town Council has confirmed that the weekly Thursday retail market will be trading as normal on Thursday 24th December 2009 at the Hamblin Road II Car Park in Woodbridge.
Customers will be able to stock up on all those last minute goods with an excellent selection of local produce including quality Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, Fine Cheeses, Smoked Meats & Deli, Fresh Bread & Pastries, Perennials and Seasonal Bedding Plants & Wreaths, Mobility Equipment and Tasty Fish & Chips.
Shop Local - and enjoy your Christmas shopping in Woodbridge.