Final preparations are underway for Richmond’s Christmas Fair, which is being held at the start of December, as hundreds are expected to flock to the festive event.
The event, which will take place in the cobbled Market Place, will run from 10am until 4pm on Sunday, December 1, with residents and visitors invited to join in the festive fun with live entertainment, Santa’s Grotto, and a vehicle display.
There will be a children’s Treasure Hunt linked to The Georgian Theatre Royal’s pantomime production of ‘Treasure Island’.
People will also be able to do their Christmas shopping from a wide range of market stalls and independent shops, warmed by hot chocolate and food.
Roving musicians and entertainers will add to the atmosphere, including a return to Richmond for The Ran Tanners and Ovinos Samba Band.
Three local businesswomen, Wendy Robinson of Granny’s Kitchen, Carol Watson of Goosewing Studios, and Linda Wood of Shanti Shanti Colours of Nepal are the driving force behind this year’s Christmas Fair.
They are members of the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association (ORBTA), the organising body behind the event.
The Richmond Christmas Fair has been made possible by the generosity of many local businesses, organisations and individuals, which include CobraFlow; ORBTA; The Company of Mercers, Grocers & Haberdashers of Richmond (Yorkshire); MW Waste; Zetland Estates; Richmond Meet; Purple Creative Studio; Richmond Town Council; King Street Kitchen & Gift; EdEUcation Ltd; Goosewing Studios; Granny’s Kitchen; Shanti Shanti Colours of Nepal; Medieval Music in the Dales; Beauty Rooms & Aesthetic Clinic; Dot’s Place; McClarrons; Gekko Creative; EyeCatching Signs; Hamiltons Butchers and Richmond Print.
Donations have been received through a Richmond Christmas Fair ‘GoFundMe’ page and many members of the community have contributed their time and expertise.
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There will be road closures in Market Place from 6am until 6pm on the day and a Park and Ride service will operate between Richmond School and Friary Gardens.
Disabled parking will be available at the bottom of the Market Place, along with a temporary taxi rank.
Normal Sunday parking arrangements will be in place outside the closed-off area.
The organisers do need more volunteers who can help on the day.
If you are available to help on December 1, even if it is just for an hour, email info@originalrichmond.co.uk.
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