Some of the finest chefs from across East Anglia will showcase their festive flair at the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre – which is just over a fortnight away.
Star of the BBC’s Great British Menu Mark Poynton, a Michelin-starred chef of Alimentum restaurant in Cambridge, Chris Lee, of the Bildeston Crown and Jeremy Medley, director of Infusions/ICE will be among others demonstrating at The ICE Cookery Theatre.
The cookery theatre, which takes place in the Cathedral Courtyard from Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26, will also feature 14 food and drink stalls.
Meanwhile, a makers market will be selling crafts and offering demonstrations, including a captivating insight into the workings of a forge.
A range of Christmas ales will also be available from the Greene King bar on Angel Hill, and more than 300 trade stalls selling gift ideas and produce will feature throughout the fayre.
Independent traders are organising street entertainment in St Johns Street which will run throughout the fayre and children with have the chance to meet a selection of small animals in The Traverse.
There will also be plenty of music and entertainment to add to the festive atmosphere with church choirs, school bands and rock, jazz, and folk acts all set to perform.
The weekend will finish with a traditional carol concert on Angel Hill with music provided by the Salvation Army band.
John Griffiths, leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said: “The fayre has so much to whet the appetite, not just in terms of the delicious food and drink that will be on offer, but music to feed the soul, fabulous stalls and some great local businesses including many of our brilliant independents who are worth visiting any time of year but particularly in the run up to Christmas.”
This year’s fayre will see increased security with bollard and barrier systems, and patrols by uniformed and plain clothed police officers, both armed and unarmed.
Organisers are keen to stress there is no specific threat to the event and that the extra security measures will not be apparent to those enjoying the fun.
Mr Griffiths added: “While there is no evidence of any specific threat, like any other large events across the UK, you may see a range of physical security measures at this year’s Christmas Fayre as a precaution.”
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