Festive Spirit for Saffron Walden Town Council’s Finale Event for 2025
Oh what joy! Festive spirit for Saffron Walden Town Council’s finale event for 2025
Last weekend Saffron Walden Town Council (SWTC) provided a weekend of Christmas events and activities in Saffron Walden. Following the Town Crier’s Proclamation in the Market Square on Friday, Kate Plummer School of Dance and the Rock Choir provided some exciting festive performances from the stage. Donkey rides were also provide free of charge throughout the afternoon.
Lantern Parade and ‘Memory Tree’ Community Carol Singing!
The annual Lantern Parade was led by Town Crier, Matt Clare; and Donkeys Samson and Finn with the Town Mayor Cllr Ahmed. The parade departed St Mary’s Church; Father Christmas was transported in a decorated Mini provided by Group 1 Stansted Mini! The ‘Brass Squad’ provided Christmas tunes along the way whilst the juggler and hula hooper providing some entertainment and magic to the air in The Market Square. When the parade arrived at 6pm, the Christmas Carols at The Memory Tree, led by the Rock Choir and the Brass Squad commenced with a selection of everyone’s favourite carols! Said the Mayor, Cllr Ahmed, “I am pleased that people from within the town and surrounding villages gathered to share the spirit of Christmas in song – I would also like to express my thanks to Stuart Vant from InXpress, SWTC’s compere and DJ throughout the event”.
Sponsors & supporters
Saffron Walden Town Council would like to thank; all its sponsors and supporters; Pellys Solicitors, Intercounty, Redrow Homes, Group 1 Cambridge Mini, Warm Touch Plumbing and Heating, InXpress, Adams Harrison Solicitors, Saffron Hall, Uttlesford District Council, Peasgood & Skeates, Wilby & Burnett Architects and Saffron Walden BID; stewarding by volunteer groups; The Saffron Walden Lions and UCAN, and Town Council Councillors; Town Crier – Matt Clare; St Mary’s Church; and Father Christmas!
Memory Tree
The Christmas tree on the Square is once again being used as a “Memory Tree” and SWTC would like to thank Peasgood & Skeates for their continued sponsorship of the initiative. To add your own personal message to the tree, wooden commemorative bauble decorations are available from the Tourist Information Centre, for a suggested minimum donation of £2. All funds raised will be given to the Mayor’s chosen charities; UCAN. Decorations will be on sale until 4pm on Monday 22 December.
Santa’s Grotto
Father Christmas took time out of his busy schedule to visit last Friday 12 and again on Saturday 13 December. Over 220 children and their families visited Santa’s Grotto. It was free to families, made possible by Redrow Homes sponsorship. Each family had a moment to talk with Father Christmas and receive a special gift. A SWTC spokesperson said, “thank you to everyone who attended and to those who made donations or bought prize draw tickets in aid of the Mayor’s charity, UCAN.”
If you have any feedback regarding SWTC’s Christmas events schedule, please email events@saffronwalden.gov.uk
And for your Christmas shopping needs, why not pop to SWTC’s Indoor Christmas Market at The Town Hall, CB10 1HR, on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 December, 10am – 4pm both days!
Merry Christmas; over and out for 2025 from SWTC’s Events & Activities Officer!
