Extra date added for sold out IlluminAbbey spectacular during Christmas in Bury St Edmunds programme

paul.derrick@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 15:07, 22 October 2021

| Updated: 15:09, 22 October 2021

A sold out Christmas light and music spectacular in Bury St Edmunds has been extended by an extra day.

Tickets for IlluminAbbey were snapped up within days of going on sale and another date, Sunday, December 5, has been added.

The spectacle of light and music with live entertainment in the Abbey Gardens has been organised by West Suffolk Council as part of the Christmas in Bury St Edmunds programme of festive events.

Starting at the Eastgate Nursery entrance, a 1km walking route will be illuminated to celebrate the gardens and Abbey ruins.

There will be street theatre performances with light and sound from Corvus Angelicus, Juggling Inferno and Spark! which is a drumming troupe with kaleidoscopic lighting.

Pre-booking is essential as entry times will be staggered every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 8.30pm to avoid over-crowding.

Visitors should allow 45 to 60 minutes to enjoy the full spectacular.

Tickets are priced at £6 for adults, £4 for children (aged 4 to 16 years) and free for under 3 years.

To book online visit www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk/illuminabbey or call 01284 758000. Tickets can also be bought in person at The Apex box office, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds.

Christmas in Bury St Edmunds launches on Thursday, November 18 with the town's festive lights switch on.

From mid-November, the arc shopping centre will host a 20 to 25 minute experience including a trail, storytelling, a walk-through enchanted forest, Santa's toyshop and finishing in Santa's grotto.

A programme of music and carols will be held at St Edmundsbury Cathedral as well as, for the first time, a Christmas market in the nave from November 25 to 27.

Cllr Susan Glossop, portfolio holder for growth at West Suffolk Council, said: "We are really pleased to be part of the Christmas in Bury St Edmunds programme, which has brought so many partners together to help bring some yuletide cheer to our communities and businesses.

"We are delighted that so many people have already bought tickets and hope by extending the event by a day even more people will get to enjoy the show.

"Abbey Gardens is already spectacular, but IlluminAbbey will bring it to a whole new level with so much going on.

"We hope people visiting the event will also take the opportunity to go to local businesses for their Christmas shopping or maybe a drink and a bite to eat.

"This is part of West Suffolk’s role in supporting the local economy and helping businesses have a strong recovery while staying Covid-19 safe."

For more information about where to stay and other things to see and do visit www.burystedmundsandbeyond.co.uk.

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Events Paul Derrick