LYMM village will be transformed into a festive wonderland on Saturday, December 12, as the popular Lymm Dickensian Festival returns with a full day of Christmas shopping, family entertainment and seasonal celebrations.
The annual village event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with craft and food stalls, live music, street entertainment and a packed programme of activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the highlights will be the ever-popular Lymm Runners Santa Dash, when hundreds of Santas will run through the village at 1.30pm, immediately followed by the Dickensian Grand Parade.
Bands and singers will perform at various locations throughout the day, while organisers are introducing even more street entertainment following the positive feedback received after last year’s event.
Father Christmas will also be back by popular demand in his grotto at Lymm Village Hall, giving youngsters the chance to pay him a festive visit.
Craft and food stalls will begin opening around the village centre from approximately 10am, offering everything from handmade gifts and Christmas decorations to festive food and drink.
Additional stalls will be located inside Lymm Village Hall, while Henry Street Car Park will host stalls for the first time, expanding the shopping opportunities available to visitors.
Organisers are encouraging people to explore the village and enjoy the variety of independent traders, craftspeople and food outlets taking part.
Illuminated boats and Christmas tractor run
The celebrations will continue into the evening, weather permitting, when Lymm Cruising Club will stage its illuminated boat flotilla along the Bridgewater Canal.
The event will be followed at around 6pm by the inaugural High Legh Park Christmas Charity Tractor Run, providing another festive attraction to round off the day’s celebrations.
With activities taking place at different locations and times, visitors are advised to check the official event programme before travelling to ensure they do not miss their favourite attractions.
Full details are available at www.lymm-dickensian.org with further updates available through the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Park-and-ride arrangements
A park-and-ride service will operate from Lymm High School to help visitors reach the village and ease pressure on local parking.
Visitors are reminded that the last bus will leave the village at 4.30pm, and the school car park will close at 5 pm. Anyone using the service should plan their visit accordingly, particularly if they intend to stay for the evening’s festivities.
Volunteers needed to support event
Organisers are also appealing for volunteers to help make this year’s Lymm Dickensian a success.
Extra help on the day would be particularly welcome, whether assisting with setting up, supporting the parade or lending a hand for an hour or two.
The committee is also keen to hear from people interested in becoming more involved in organising future events and helping ensure the long-running village tradition continues.
Anyone interested in volunteering or joining the committee can contact the organisers by emailing lymmdickensian@gmail.com
With Christmas shopping, live entertainment, the Santa Dash, parade, illuminated boats and the new tractor run all on the programme, Lymm Dickensian promises a festive day for residents and visitors alike.
