19 November 2012

Have a Dickensian Christmas at Beaumaris Christmas Fair

The idyllic town of Beaumaris will be hosting its annual Christmas fair on the 24th November.  Charles Dickens used to be a regular visitor to the town and to mark the 200th anniversary of his birth there will be a Dickensian theme for visitors this year.  

Beaumaris will come alive with festive cheer from two o’ clock onwards, and the village will be open late to accommodate the influx of tourists from nearby  Bangor Hotels and beyond.  Victorian performers will be roaming the streets of Beaumaris creating an authentic Dickensian atmosphere with old Christmas favourites sang by a festive choir.  If you are a fan of quaint sea side favourites Punch and Judy, the Beaumaris Christmas Fair will be hosting a memorable “life size” Punch and Judy event. A best dressed fancy dress competition will make the small seaside town look like it has gone back to the Victorian time period and will enhance the Dickensian festive atmosphere.  Visitors will even have the rare opportunity to test the psychic abilities of a resident clairvoyant at the Christmas Fair! Why not take the chance to make the most of the crisp winter weather and wonder the streets of Beaumaris with a glass of mulled wine; whilst sampling the Dickensian atmosphere?

Children will get the magical opportunity to visit Father Christmas and the adults can get Christmas inspiration and browse the selection of products available from the many charity and craft stalls that will be at the event.  A farmers market selling warm mince pies and roast chestnuts will entice foodies who will want to stock up on their Christmas produce.  People who have a passion for fashion or just enjoy shopping will be spoilt for choice with a range of products available from arts and crafts to clothing and homewares.  Beaumaris Castle and Courtroom will also be open to give people a fascinating insight into the life of a Victorian prisoner.

David Hughes School will be the location for the “Best Dressed” event at 4:30pm.  Following this, an atmospheric lantern parade beginning at Beaumaris Pier will be led by Queen Victoria and a Pied Piper as a brass band passes through the town, filling the streets with carol singing and Christmas cheer before the all-important lights are switched on at the town Christmas tree.  If you cannot wait for the Christmas Fair celebrations to begin but love the idea of a Dickensian atmosphere there will be a Dickensian evening at the Ye Olde Bulls Head Inn on Tuesday 6th November.  The event features the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens reading his ancestors work with home-made winter warmers to take away the winter chills.