THE COUNTDOWN is under way for two days of festive fun at Bromsgrove’s Christmas Market.
The event takes place at the top end of the High Street on Friday and Saturday, November 21 and 22.
The Bromsgrove Christmas Markets return to light up the days and kick start the festive celebrations. Friends of St Johns have join forces with the Bromsgrove Festival to organise the community focused event.
And it coincides with the Bromsgrove Christmas lights switch-on which we confirmed last week would be returning. It was initially thought it may not take place.
Christmas Market – all you need to know
In the Event Space at the Argos end of the High Street there will be a host of additional market stalls with a Christmassy vibe. They all boast independent, local traders selling their much-loved gifts, decorations and produce. And the markets will, once again, be supporting local charities.
Visitors can look forward to entertainment all day on Friday with DJ Phil from Jammersley Entertainment getting everyone in the Christmas mood, with games and give-aways to create a fun and festive atmosphere.
The Bromsgrove Christmas Market. Picture by Tristan Harris.
Live entertainment
At 11am St John’s School Choir will be singing for all to enjoy. The students from Chadsgrove Educational Trust Specialist College are this year joined by students from Alvechurch Middle and Fairfield First Schools for their much loved ‘Sign and Sing Performance’ at 11.30am. The Chadsgrove College students will also be selling their wonderful Christmas decorations and gifts to support their life skills training.
On Saturday DJ Phil returns to host a busy day of Christmas music and performances. At 12.30pm, the Rock Choir will be entertaining at the Christmas Markets followed by the team from All and Sundry’s panto ‘Cinderella’ at 1.30pm giving visitors a tasty of their show.
Regular visitors to the Christmas Markets will enjoy the return of Sounds of Steel at 2pm and the students from Stage Coach at 2.30pm.
At 3pm the Got to Sing Choir will be filling the streets with their lovely voices. Then, there will be the sounds of sunshine from Sounds of Steel. Local songbirds Vintage Class Singers will be performing sing-a-long Christmas favourites from 4.30pm until the countdown to the Light Switch On starts with a light and laser show.
The VC Ladies will return for some party tunes after the Switch On Festive Fun until the event finishes at 6pm.
Street entertainers
Throughout the afternoon Christmas Markets favourite Street Entertainer Steve Kaos will be entertaining visitors with his unicycle juggling street theatre and getting everyone into the Christmas spirit, with help from light up entertainment from some familiar faces.
Steve Kaos meets Father Christmas. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4718004MMR1 www.buyphotos247.com
Also on Saturday, there will be Street Food – a burger van, desserts and ice-creams PLUS Fairground rides for children! So much to enjoy.
Your guide to the stalls
Picture courtesy of the Friends of St John’s. s
Stall holders over the two days will include:
- The Denim Upcycler selling fantastic household and fashion items made from upcycled jeans.
- The Embroidery Sprite with handmade plush toys.
- My Little Pink Shed selling upcycled picture frames made into personalised dog lead hooks and key racks.
- Charming Creations with their beautifully decorated vases, sewn items, candles, Christmas decorations, advent calendars and gifts.
- Romsley Gems have handmade genuine gemstone jewellery.
- Fruitfields will be selling their ever popular apple juice, honey, cider, oaty cookies and Christmas hampers.
- My Treasure Toys selling wooden vegan homewares and toys made from sustainably sourced wood.
- Dragonfly with crystals, jewellery, Christmas baubles and bottle lights.
- Locally made Wychbold Fudge.
- Lulu In Stitches selling unique Christmas decorations and hand made bags.
- Madebygreenberry selling handmade silver jewellery.
- Dragonfly Crafts will have their fabulous tie dye clothing and crystals.
Angela Harrison from My Little Pink Shed. Picture by Tristan Harris.
Other Christmas offerings
The Cancer Research Shop will be selling Christmas gifts, cards and decorations, St Basils will be raising funds by selling crafts and a tombola to support their wonderful work with young people at risk of homelessness and St John’s Church with their fun and popular bottle stall, offering a prize every time!
The team from Bromsgrove Festival will be offering a free Festive Photo Booth where a member of the team will take photos of you with your friends and family, in a seasonal setting, on your own phone. The photos can be used for gifts, cards or social media posts.
Photograph store Foto Factory are offering special discounts during the market days to anyone wanting to print the pictures straight away. Why not create a fantastic and unique gift for a loved one.
Bromsgrove Christmas Markets has received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Grants for High Street Events are administered by Bromsgrove District Council to improve pride in place.
Jo Slade, from the Friends of St John’s, said: “We are hoping as many people as possible will come down and join us.
“Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy these two days of festive fun and help to light up the High Street.”
