Tree-mendous festive fair planned for Gorleston

The event is being held over three days from Friday, November 18, until Sunday, November 20, with the main market held in Priory Gardens for the first two days and spilling out on to the High Street on Sunday. The weekend will end with a bang thanks to the firework display and traditional light switch-on.

Beautifully decorated wooden chalets will house stalls of food, beverages, arts, crafts and gifts, as well as Santa's post box, where children can post their wish lists to the man himself.

Shoppers can stroll around the park soaking up the festive atmosphere thanks to the twinkly lights and the smell of delicious festive treats, with the option to wander down to Gorleston's High Street for more boutique shops.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to don their best elf costumes, take an 'elfie and enter the 'Best Dressed Elf' competition for a chance to win a dazzling prize. There are five categories, so the entire family can get involved:

• Mama Elf
• Papa Elf
• Young Elf
• Four-legged Elf
• Family of Elves.

Cllr Daniel Candon, chair of the economic development committee, said: "The council's events team and Gorleston Traders Association worked really hard last year to organise a Christmas in the Parks event in Gorleston, but sadly it had to be cancelled at the last minute due to forecasted high winds.

"This year we're really looking forward to bringing a piece of Christmas to Priory Gardens to mark the start of the festive shopping season and encourage hundreds of extra families and shoppers into Gorleston."

Asa Morrison Chief Executive of Visit Great Yarmouth, said the Christmas market was designed as a welcome family event to attract visitors and local people into Gorleston.

"The three-day event will draw visitors in to Gorleston as well as offering local families festive fun as everyone looks forward to Christmas. We are delighted to be able to provide the start of what we believe will be a wonderful Christmas 2022 for our visitors and local residents."

Traders are invited to apply to be part of the Christmas Market in Gorleston by submitting an application form or contacting events@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.

Funding from Visit Great Yarmouth/GYTABIA has helped to bring you Gorleston Christmas Switch On