Snow didn’t stop the Holmes Chapel Partnership hosting Sunday’s annual Christmas Market & Fair.
Thanks to volunteers who were out from 7am on Sunday to clear snow from paths and pavements, hundreds of locals were able to safely attend the community event which included market stalls, a fairground and festive performances.
Holmes Chapel’s main road, The Square, was closed to traffic enabling visitors to enjoy the offerings from an array of festive stalls, village shops, pubs and eateries. Local radio station Dane Sound hosted a three-hour spectacular of on-stage performances from village schools, bands and dance groups. Even the village Fire Station got involved with an Emergency Vehicle display and providing First Aid support.
“This was possibly our toughest event yet with the snowy, wet weather conditions providing extra challenges for set up. It’s incredible we were able to pull it off when many other events in the area had to be cancelled,” commented Peter Whiers, Chair of the Holmes Chapel Partnership. ‘We are delighted that so many people came out to support local businesses and celebrate Christmas in Holmes Chapel. Holmes Chapel is a wonderfully supportive community and we hope Sunday’s event gave all of the businesses who participated a strong start to December.”
Stall holders at the event were all selected from the local area and included Helen Ireland who has been a stall holder at the market for several years with her Body Shop business. Helen commented ‘Thank you for a fantastic night once again, Holmes Chapel is by far the best Christmas fair that I have ever done, it's beyond excellent and thank you to all the volunteers who make this event happen. Here’s to next year, I can't wait!”
Luis and Steve of local cafe Holmes Sweet Home commented: “It was such a lovely atmosphere despite the bitter cold, and we hope everyone had a fabulous time. A shout out to Holmes Chapel Partnership and all the budding volunteers that put this together. Great job!”
The not-for-profit event would not have been possible without generous sponsorships from local organisations: Holmes Chapel Parish Council, Massey Feeds, Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists, Dutton Builders Merchants, Hurstwood Holdings, Joe Whites Fun Fairs, Sibelco, Laura Wilson School of Dance, Top Secret Furniture and The Villages Mag.
Holmes Chapel Partnership is continuing to bring festive cheer to the local area throughout December with Sleigh Runs which raise funds for local charities working in and around Holmes Chapel. Full details of the Sleigh schedule and how to donate can be found at www.hcpartnership.org.uk/santas-sleigh
Thank you to Jenny Kozyra from Days Out and Meals Out for the photographs: