A Suffolk town is organising an extended programme of Christmas activities to offer an extra festive celebration.
Framlingham Business Association said the festivities represented a “real show of the community pulling together”.
It all begins on Friday, November 24, when Thomas Mills High School’s head boy and girl will judge which shop has created the most festive window display.
The annual competition, which aims to create a welcoming atmosphere in the town, is expected to be particularly hard fought this year, with a top prize worth more than £250.
Winning entries will be announced the following day at the Christmas lights switch-on, which will take place at 5pm.
A special guest has been invited to perform the honours, which will be confirmed nearer the time.
Jenny Stockman of the FBA said: “It will be a very traditional start to the festive season in Framlingham with Framlingham Churches together and the FBA hosting. Carols and a blessing will make it extra special.”
The festivities continue into Sunday, November 26, with the FBA’s Framlingham Christmas and Charity Market, which is set to feature a traditional carousel giving free rides to children, as well as music and carols with performances from The Rabble Chorus, Framlingham Church Choir, the Rock Project and more.
Among the stalls, will be gifts, crafts and some festive flavours with a difference. “We’ve been promised hot mulled gin, which sounds fascinating,” Mrs Stockman added.
More than a dozen charity stalls will be taking part as well as Framlingham’s firefighters, who will bring their fire engine to Market Hill where they will roasting chestnuts to raise money.
The FBA has thanked the fire service for their help installing Christmas trees around the town and Richard Western for its help with the big tree in Market Hill.
“It’s been a real show of the community pulling together to make this all happen,” Mrs Stockman added.
Retailers have also teamed up to organise late night shopping on Friday, December 1, when there will be choirs, a visit from Father Christmas and a barbecue by Hall Farm Butchers, as well as prizes and special offers. The following day, the town’s annual Christmas Tree Festival gets underway in St Michael’s Church, alongside the Flower Club’s Christmas Fayre.
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