A County Durham town has announced the date it will host its annual Christmas Fayre and lights switch-on.

The event, organised by Ferryhill Town Council, will take place in the town on Friday, November 29. 

This festive event, aimed at bringing the community together to celebrate the holiday season, will feature an afternoon and evening of holiday activities, entertainment, and family fun in the heart of the town.

The Fayre will begin at 1pm with the opening of the Christmas Market in the Market Place Car Park, where local vendors will offer seasonal goods and treats.

At 2pm, the festivities ramp up with the addition of children's show rides and a catering vehicle, providing fun and refreshments for all ages.

Carol Singing and Lights Switch-On

A festive highlight will be the carol singing at 4.15pm, featuring children from local primary schools.

This will take place in the Town Hall garden, creating a heartwarming lead-up to the official lights switch-on at 4.30pm.

This year, the honour of illuminating Ferryhill’s holiday lights will go to a pupil from Cleves Cross Primary School, a tradition that brings pride to the local school community and excitement to residents.

Family Activities and Santa’s Grotto

Inside Ferryhill Town Hall, families can enjoy a range of holiday attractions from 4.30 pm to 6pm

Santa’s Grotto will be open downstairs, accessible via the main entrance, where children can meet Santa Claus himself.

Upstairs, a variety of free children’s entertainment awaits, including face painting and a performance by the popular entertainer Mr Windbags. The Mayor’s Charity Tombola Stall will also be in place, with all proceeds going to local causes.

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Event Schedule

1pm – 6pm: Christmas Market in Market Place Car Park

2pm – 6pm: Children’s Show Rides and Catering Vehicle

4.15pm – 4.30pm: Carol Singing by local schoolchildren

4.30pm: Christmas lights switch-on by Cleves Cross Primary School pupil

4.30 pm – 6pm: Santa’s Grotto, face painting, children’s entertainment, and Mayor’s Charity Tombola at Ferryhill Town Hall

Road Closures and Temporary Bus Stops

To facilitate the event, certain roads will be temporarily closed.

Market Street, the unnamed road between North Street and Market Street, and part of Chapel Terrace will be closed to all vehicles from approximately 3.45pm to 6pm.

Temporary bus stops will be set up to redirect affected routes:

Service 7: Pick-up outside Co-op for journeys to Darlington; lay-by outside Bayleaves for Durham-bound passengers.

Service 56: Temporary stop outside Ferryhill Workingmen’s Club for travel to Ferryhill Station and Mainsforth.

Service 8: Temporary stop outside Co-op for routes to Ferryhill Station/Darlington.

Service 113: Temporary stop outside Workingmen’s Club for travel to Sedgefield.

Residents interested in booking a stall at the Christmas Market or those with general inquiries are encouraged to contact Karen or Nikki at Ferryhill Town Hall at (01740) 652157.