Last weekend Saffron Walden Town Council (SWTC) provided a weekend of events to mark the start Christmas in Saffron Walden.  Following the Town Crier’s Proclamation in the Market Square on Friday, Tempos Performing Arts and Enterprise East, Saffron Hall’s Pantomime, collectively provided some exciting and touching performances from the stage.

As the community gathered in readiness around the Christmas tree for the annual Lantern Parade to arrive, The Jack and The Beanstalk Cast provided fun and excitement at the stage.  Led by Father Christmas, the Town Mayor Cllr Deryk Eke, and the Town Crier, the parade departed St Mary’s Church – this year a slimmed down Father Christmas was transported in a decorated Mini provided by Group 1 Stansted Mini! The ‘Brass Squad’ provided Christmas tunes along the way with the ‘Mirror Men’ bringing some dance and magic to the air.  At 6pm, with the Market Square full with a ready and waiting crowd, the Lights were switched on and a Christmas Disco party continued the evening.  A huge thank you Stuart Vant from InXpress, SWTC’s compere and DJ throughout the event.

Saffron Walden Town Council would like to thank; all its sponsors and supporters; McCarthy Stone, Intercounty, Group 1 Stansted Mini, Warm Touch Plumbing and Heating, InXpress, Chaucer Solutions, Adams Harrison Solicitors, Tela, Saffron Hall, Saffron Screen, Uttlesford District Council, Peasgood & Skeates, and Saffron Walden BID; stewarding, by volunteer groups; The Saffron Walden Lions and UCAN, and Town Council Councillors; Town Crier – David Razzel; St Mary’s Church; and Father Christmas!

Continuing on Sunday, a well-supported market saw Christmas Fayre in the Square enjoyed by many and offered a perfect chance for Christmas shopping.  Running alongside these events throughout the weekend in the Town Hall was the Christmas Gift Fair – if you missed it, it will be back from Friday 06 December – Tuesday 10 December!

There are still more events to come from SWTC – all are welcome!

• Saturday 07 & Sunday 08 December – Santa’s Grotto, 11am – 3pm
• Sunday 08 December – Christmas Market, 10am – 3pm
• Friday 13 December – Christmas Carols at the Memory Tree, 1pm – 2pm – with “Memory Tree” sponsors Peasgood & Skeates
• Saturday 21 December – Christmas Pop-up cinema with Saffron Screen, 10am – 12 noon.

If you have any feedback regarding the events, please email events@saffronwalden.gov.uk