Support your local traders and enjoy a host of festive events this Christmas at Barnstaple’s historic Pannier Market.
The Christmas countdown has well and truly begun, so kick off your Christmas shopping at the market, open Tuesday to Sunday throughout December.
Connect and Create Fest is back on Sunday 3 December, with a fantastic mix of unique and creative stalls, live music, art and craft workshops, licensed bar and lots of fund raising activities for local causes. This family-friendly event runs from 10am to 6pm, entry is free.
On Thursday 7 December Barnstaple Town Council will be hosting their annual Christmas Fayre and carol service from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This highlight is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit and will be make your late-night shopping an evening to remember.
There will be a wide range of yummy festive treats available at the monthly REAL food market from 10am–4pm on Sunday 10 December. Stock up on some tasty, local supplies to make your Christmas dinner unforgettable.
And there are further opportunities for late-night shopping on Thursday 14 and 21 December, with the market open from 6–10pm. Both evenings include a delicious Christmas street food party, which will keep your energy up for all that shopping! On 21 December you can get up close to real elves, make your very own reindeer food and elf elixirs with Buzzlewick’s Elf Emporium. Whilst there, don’t forget to write your letter to Santa at the Polar post office and hand it to the postmaster elf himself, to make sure it gets to the North Pole in time for Christmas! The elves will be on duty in the market from 11am to 3pm and from 5pm to 7pm.
If you like to leave things to the last minute, the last Sunday Christmas market will take place on 24 December from 10am–4pm. Pick up some final treats before the big day! The market will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve, reopening on Wednesday 27 December. It will also close at 4pm on Saturday 30 December, reopening Tuesday 2 January.
Executive Member for Economic Regeneration, Councillor Pat Barker, says: “Barnstaple Pannier Market always feels particularly special at this time of year. As usual there is a wonderful range of events planned in the run up to Christmas, with something for all the family to enjoy. Make sure you pay a trip to the market when you are out doing your Christmas shopping and support the many local traders who make it such a special place.”
Parking in the town is free after 6pm in all North Devon Council car parks and free all day on Sundays in long-stay car parks at Fairview, Seven Brethren, Lower Pilton and Tarka.