Final preparations are underway for Richmond’s Christmas Fair, which is being held on Sunday 1st December from 10.00am-4.00pm in the cobbled Market Place.
Residents and visitors are invited to join in the festive fun with live entertainment, Santa’s Grotto and a vehicle display. There will be a children’s Treasure Hunt linked to The Georgian Theatre Royal’s eagerly anticipated pantomime production of ‘Treasure Island’. You will also be able to do your Christmas shopping from a wide range of market stalls and independent shops, warmed by hot chocolate and delicious food!
A variety of local entertainers will showcase a wealth of local talent. On stage the entertainment will include Richmond School Jazz Band, Rhythm & Shoes Dance Group, the Service Children’s Community Choir, Saint Francis Xavier School, JenAmi Music Duo and a Christmas Cabaret By Madeleine. Roving musicians and entertainers will add to the atmosphere, including a very welcome return to Richmond for The Ran Tanners and Ovinos Samba Band.
Three local businesswomen, Wendy Robinson of Granny’s Kitchen, Carol Watson of Goosewing Studios and Linda Wood of Shanti Shanti Colours of Nepal are the driving force behind this year’s Christmas Fair. They are members of the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association (ORBTA), the organising body behind the event.
The Richmond Christmas Fair is a fantastic community event and has made possible by the generosity of many local businesses, organisations and individuals. They include: CobraFlow; ORBTA; The Company of Mercers, Grocers & Haberdashers of Richmond (Yorkshire); MW Waste; Zetland Estates; Richmond Meet; Purple Creative Studio; Richmond Town Council; King Street Kitchen & Gift; EdEUcation Ltd; Goosewing Studios; Granny’s Kitchen; Shanti Shanti Colours of Nepal; Medieval Music in the Dales; Beauty Rooms & Aesthetic Clinic; Dot’s Place; McClarrons; Gekko Creative; EyeCatching Signs; Hamiltons Butchers and Richmond Print. In addition, donations have been received through a Richmond Christmas Fair ‘GoFundMe’ page and many members of the community have contributed their time and expertise. The organisers are extremely appreciative of everyone who has played their part in making this important event in the Richmond calendar a reality.
There will be road closures in Market Place from 6.00am to 6.00pm on the day and a Park and Ride service will operate between Richmond School and Friary Gardens. Disabled parking will be available at the bottom of the Market Place, along with a temporary taxi rank. Normal Sunday parking arrangements will be in place outside the closed-off area.
The organisers do need more volunteers who can help on the day. If you are available to help on 1st December, even if it is just for an hour, please email info@originalrichmond.co.uk.