The local community came out to support the biggest ever Warminster Christmas Celebrations on Saturday 30th November, enjoying a whole day of festive fun.
The event, which included stalls in even more locations than before, started at 10am with a record number of pitches across the High Street, Market Place and in Weymouth Street, as well as a buzzing Civic Centre market.
With roads in the High Street and Market Place closed, a relaxed festive atmosphere allowed visitors to browse the huge array of stalls, food producers and old favourites, with stall holders reporting excellent sales.
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The brilliant entertainment schedule, also expanded this year, located at the top of the Market Place featured eight excellent performances starting with the Avenue School, Sambourne School and Heytesbury School.
Next up, talented solo performers Izzy Wheeler and Seren Maskelyne took to the stage performing a brilliant mix of cover songs and original material.
Popular local five-piece band Brakelight rocked the stage with an eclectic mix of covers as well as festive picks for the celebration. The wonderful Rock Choir brought in the crowds with their upbeat numbers, ahead of headline act One Vision of Freddie, who built up the atmosphere.
Huge, excited crowds gathered for the lights switch-on. The lights were turned on by special guests Ceawlin and Emma Thynn, Marquess and Marchioness of Bath, who were well received and joined on the stage by Santa and the Mayor of Warminster, Cllr Stacie Allensby. Warminster Community Radio were also in attendance broadcasting live for those who could not make it in person.
The Civic Centre Christmas Market in Samborne Road was also incredibly popular, running from 10am to 4.30pm. Visitors were greeted with a fantastic atmosphere as multiple local stallholders filled the centre – Santa met local children in his grotto, and the Mayor’s raffle raised £600 for her two charities Warminster – Youth Club and Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Stallholders reported a phenomenal day of trading as well as a pleasant atmosphere throughout the market.
Shops across the town centre including East Street, Chinns Court, George Street were also open, giving visitors the opportunity to purchase a variety of gifts for all, ahead of Christmas Day.
A Warminster Town Council spokesperson said: “What a brilliant day of festive celebrations, we thank the whole community for coming out and supporting this event – there were so many positive aspects to the day.
“Particular mention must go to the Warminster Independent Market team for all their hard work. Expanding the stalls to Weymouth Street helped build on the previous success of the now well-established and well-respected markets.
“Organising the event is a huge task but makes an incredible day for the benefit of Warminster and local businesses. It was wonderful to see so many people out enjoying our town.
“We are sorry that the Christmas lights were turned on slightly earlier than expected but planning is already under way for another huge Christmas celebratory event in 2025. If you would like to get involved, please contact Warminster Town Council.
“Finally, thank you so much to all the volunteers, market traders, musicians and artists who made it such a special day. The festive celebrations continue in Warminster with the Christmas Window competition and Christmas Carol Hunt.”
For more information contact Warminster Town Council, Tel: 01985 214847 or email: admin@warminster-tc.gov.uk
Last modified: 4 December 2024
