Two Christmas Craft Market Weekends will go all-out to bring festive fun to families
The feature-packed and brightly-lit Christmas Craft Market will be staged again at Stonham Barns Park this year – but instead of the market being on one weekend it will span two – 23 and 24 November and 30 November and 1 December (from 10am – 4.00pm) to enable more visitors to start the festive season early with some Christmas shopping and activities.
With mince pies, mulled wine, hot chestnuts, live music and Christmas lights Stonham Barns Park – one of Suffolk’s premier leisure and entertainment venues – is preparing to pull out all the stops and put on two weekends of ‘festive fun’ for both adults and children. The Snow Queen, Snow Princess and some magical elves including Snowball, Sparkle, Holly and Tinsel will be attending as part of the weekend for photo opportunities. There will also be a Santa’s Grotto where children will each receive a special Christmas gift.
Explains Terri Forward from Stonham Barns Park, ‘Christmas is all about families being together and we are planning to make the season truly magical with our annual Christmas Craft Market which this year is extending across two weekends. Last year was so well attended that we decided to run the market for two consecutive weekends to enable more people to visit.’
‘We are arranging our biggest and best yet with all the ideas we can put into it including Santa’s Grotto, a funfair for the children, train rides, face painting and delicious food and drink outlets.’
‘We are hoping to make this an extravaganza of all things festive so that people can get themselves set for Christmas. The gift ideas will all be here as well as lots of Christmas traditions and activities that will help to start the celebrations this year.’
‘The gift and craft retailers attending will be offering some delightful gifts and decorations, and we think many people will support these local businesses by coming to see what’s on offer.’
The markets will feature uniquely handmade, handcrafted gifts and products, mostly made in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex. Lexden-based YouTuber Corrine Bradd – from Crafts Beautiful Magazine – will be attending doing LIVE demos for the visitors and social media followers. In addition, visitors will be able to shop at the retail village which is packed with 1000s of Christmas gift ideas. There are arts and craft shops, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Carters of Suffolk pottery and newly enhanced tearooms and Legends Bar.
The events offer visitors free parking and free entry.
Tickets for the grotto will cost £10 per child under 12. They can be booked in advance as walk-in spaces may be limited on the day.
Other retailers at Stonham Barns Park include Aspal Antiques, Aspal Emporium, Aspal Reclamation Yard, Stonham Garden Centre, Carters of Suffolk, Hemingstone Frames, Hot Tub Village, Ideal Interiors, Tiger Sheds, Stonham Village Stores, Suffolk Bridal Outlet, The Beauty Barn, The Vintage Cellar, The Book Cellar and The Little Dance Barn. Among the most recent retail additions to the village are The Dogs Business, GG Trading Cards, Sakura Studio Gallery and Mamiina.
