Our Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights Event is fabulously festive

Step into Christmas and be wowed this year by Our Bury St Edmunds at the town centre’s fabulous Christmas Lights Event on Thursday November 16. It’s the first chance to see this winter’s magical displays – including some brand new decorations – which will bathe the town centre with light as the sun sets, then illuminate the town after dark until the New Year.

As ever this free-admission afternoon and evening of family entertainment and attractions, organised by the Business Improvement District (BID), will offer something for all ages. Browse a variety of stalls, including crafts, festive food and drink and those supporting charities and local good causes. The town’s eclectic mix of independent shops offers a chance to snap up Christmas gifts and some favourite local businesses will also be joining in the fun with stalls on the night. Look out for Cookie Barista, Peck, Papaki’s Deli, Mr Simms Sweet Shop and Thomas Ridley to keep hunger at bay.

The stage has entertainment all through the afternoon and evening including magic shows, Theatre Royal pantomime characters and The Snow Queen and her friends, which little ones will love. Of course Santa will also be in town meeting youngsters who want their names on his ‘good list.’ Later he’ll be on the stage with some festive magic. Local artist Kitty Grant is one of the musical highlights and also performing will be many local school groups. Away from the stage there’ll be a host of street entertainment around the town centre including gingerbread characters to meet.

Our Bury St Edmunds BID has been organising the Christmas Lights display in the town for nearly 15 years. Chief Executive Mark Cordell said: “Once again this year we have included some new lights to celebrate the fact that Market Thoroughfare has now re-opened allowing access between Auction Street and Cornhill. It promises to be a fun-packed event and a great chance to spend some time in town, meet up with friends and family to do some shopping, have something to eat or drink or just enjoy the attractions and fairground rides. This is guaranteed to bring some festive cheer to a November night.”

All the lights in the displays use the most energy-efficient LED bulbs and, as last year, to conserve energy, they will be on for slightly fewer hours each day than in previous years.

The Our Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights Event runs from 3pm to 8pm and is supported by ShopSafe. More information is available at www.ourburystedmunds.com and on social media @ourburysteds.