Highlights of the Bury St Edmunds Christmas events calendar 2023 including the panto with Judi Dench and the Snowman Live in Concert!
For some it’s too early to even mention the word Christmas, but there is no escaping the big day is three months away.
The last Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre, a renowned event that attracted thousands of people, was in 2019 and now the town is hosting a series of smaller events starting in mid-November and continuing into January.
Here is a round-up of some of the highlights of this year’s festive offer:
Christmas lights event
The Christmas lights event on Thursday, November 16, kicks off the festive season in Bury.
Organised by the town’s Business Improvement District (BID) group Our Bury St Edmunds, there will be a variety of entertainment and stalls.
Mark Cordell, CEO of Our Bury St Edmunds, said the event would be similar to last year’s, with a charity and community groups market, a stage with choirs from local schools and community groups, fairground rides and street entertainment.
The lights will be on for the whole of the event which commences at 3pm and closes at 8pm. Further details are set to be released soon.
St Edmundsbury Cathedral Market
From Thursday, November 23, to Saturday, November 25, St Edmundsbury Cathedral will be hosting its Christmas market, with more than 50 stallholders from Suffolk and beyond.
As well as the shopping experience, there will be daily entertainment for visitors.
Doors will open between 10am and 4.30pm daily. More information will be available at a later time.
Theatre Royal pantomime
Running from November 24 to January 14, the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds panto Snow White features acting royalty Dame Judi Dench.
The Theatre Royal life patron and long-time supporter will play a starring role as the voice of the Magic Mirror, although note she will not be at the theatre in person.
There are family saver performances, a gala performance, which includes fun and fancy dress before the show, and access performances, which are intended to be SEN (special educational needs) and dementia friendly.
Winter Beer Festival
The third annual Bury St Edmunds Winter Beer Festival is taking place from November 24-26 at the Constitutional Club in Guildhall Street.
Festival organiser Neil Rayson described last winter’s event as a success.
The full programme is due to be announced in November.
Peter & the Wolf Live
New this year, Peter & the Wolf Live at West Suffolk Council’s Abbey Gardens is taking place from December 7 to 10.
Set in an all-weather auditorium in the gardens, children and adults alike will enjoy an Oscar-winning modern retelling of Peter and the Wolf, accompanied by live performances from the Orpheus Sinfonia.
This animated film, by prize-winning director Suzie Templeton, tells the story of a child finding their own inner strength and courage to overcome adversity.
Children under five can get in for free, but they must have a ticket and be accompanied by an adult.
Ice-skating rink
A synthetic ice-skating rink will be at the arc shopping centre from December 14 to January 3.
Our Bury St Edmunds and the arc are working with partners to install the rink, which is being provided by Odin Events, and will be able to cater for up to 25 skaters per session.
When not booked by a group every session will be available on a first-come first-served basis to members of the public, with no reservation necessary. There will also be no charge.
Schools, community groups - especially any working with those with reduced mobility - and businesses who wish to book the 12m by 8m rink for their own exclusive use may do so by emailing Mark Cordell on mark.cordell@ourburystedmunds.com
The Snowman Live
On Friday, December 22, people can experience the timeless story and enchanting music of the Snowman Live in Concert! in the surroundings of St Edmundsbury Cathedral.
Celebrating 45 years of the nation’s favourite snowman, the story will be brought to life by musical maestro Richard Wetherall, a string quartet and narrator.
Christmas craft and gift fair
A Christmas craft and gift fair is taking place at the Athenaeum on Sunday, October 22, and Sunday, November 19.
Organised by Crafted Events, the fair, from 10am to 4pm, has free admission.
There will be more than 50 stalls to browse.
•For more information on Christmas in Bury see the Bury St Edmunds and Beyond website.
This is the official tourism site for the area.
