100,000 visitors expected in Newbury as Victorian Christmas Fayre returns this weekend

More than 100,000 visitors are expected to step back in time in Newbury this weekend as the Victorian Christmas Fayre returns to town.

Taking place on Saturday (10am-9pm) and Sunday (10am-5pm) this is the second year the fair has visited the town and is part of an “enhanced festive offering”.

The event includes a wide range of market stalls with traders dressed in typical Victorian attire, alongside Victorian-themed roving performers, a Victorian carousel, live music and entertainment.

And, of course, Father Christmas will be making an appearance too.

Last year’s three-day event saw footfall levels in the town reach nearly 100,000 and organisers said they are hoping for even more people this year as fears over Covid have decreased.

Organiser Newbury Business Improvement District (BID) said the Victorian Christmas Fayre would not be possible if it weren’t for Newbury Town Council working in partnership with it.

It will operate alongside the weekly Charter Market on the Saturday, when traders will relocate to Bartholomew Street and Northbrook Street, and the Farmers Market on the Sunday.

Alison Drummond, operations manager at the BID, said: “Our Victorian Christmas Fayre delivered with our partners, LSD Promotions, was a smash-hit success last year and we’re thrilled to confirm that this will be returning for 2022 in a new two-day format.

“We are thankful to Newbury Town Council and our town centre businesses for working with us to make this event a possibility again for 2022 and we simply cannot wait to make it happen.

“It’s always been a priority for us at the BID to deliver events that benefit the town centre, and with the cost-of-living/energy crisis, it’s more important than ever that we provide free events and entertainment for both local residents and families from a wider audience, while helping to support our local businesses wherever possible.

“We’re confident that this event will help to do exactly that by developing Newbury as a go-to Christmas destination.

“Our aim is always to draw extra visitors into Newbury not only during the event, but throughout the Christmas period, encouraging them to shop local for their Christmas gifts and enjoy the local hospitality for their Christmas parties and gatherings.”