The start of Christmas 2023!
Last weekend saw Saffron Walden Town Council (SWTC) provide a weekend of events to commence the Christmas festivities in Saffron Walden. Following the Town Crier’s Proclamation in the Market Square on Friday, Saffron Community Choir, Somewhere 2 Sing, Saffron Walden County High School Singers, Tempos Performing Arts and Enterprise East collectively brought performances to entertain.
The community gathered in readiness around the Christmas tree for the Lantern Parade to arrive. Led by Father Christmas, the Town Mayor Cllr Heather Asker, and the Town Crier, the parade departed St Mary’s Church – followed by SWCHS Singers, Saffron Walden Beavers, Saffron Players and plenty of families alike. LED lit Angel and Christmas Tree Stilt walkers brought some magic to the air. At 6pm, with the Market Square crowded with residents ready and waiting, the Lights were switched on and a Christmas Disco party continued the evening. A huge thank you Stuart Vant from InXpress, SWTC’s compere and DJ throughout the event.
Saffron Walden was lucky to have Father Christmas take time out of his busy schedule to visit twice over the weekend; on Friday 19th and again on Sunday 20th. SWTC’s specially created Grotto in the Town Hall gave 340 children and their families a chance for a special moment to talk with Father Christmas.
Continuing on Sunday, a bustling market saw Christmas Fayre in the Square enjoyed by many and offered a perfect chance for Christmas shopping. The event was a success with many traders selling out by the end of the day. £350.00+ was raised at the Mayor’s tombola stall which will benefit her chosen charities; Fairycroft House Arts and Media Centre and Saffron Walden Youth Outreach Project. Said the Town Mayor, Cllr Heather Asker, ‘I am grateful that generous prize donations from local businesses and market traders have enabled me to raise a good sum for local charities. My thanks go to all who participated.’ With support from SW BID, Ben Smith provided musical entertainment for shoppers from the Christmas Tree on Market Row.
Saffron Walden Town Council would like to thank; all its sponsors (McCarthy Stone, Intercounty, Blackmore Roofing, Warm Touch Plumbing and Heating, InXpress, Adams Harrison Solicitors, Tela, B & R Carpets, Shire Trees Limited, Uttlesford District Council, Peasegood & Skeates, and Saffron Walden BID); stewarding by volunteer groups – The Saffron Walden Lions, UCAN, and Barclays Bank; Town Crier – David Razzel; St Mary’s Church; and Father Christmas and his elves (students from Saffron Walden County High School)!
And still to come:
- Sunday 3rd December – Christmas Market, 10am – 4pm
- Friday 8th December – Community Carol Singing, 1pm – 2pm
