Not even the rain could pour cold water on Holmes Chapel's annual Christmas Market & Fair

gailgriggs
4 days ago
2 min read

By Karoline Morgan

Thousands of residents defied the wet weather to attend Holmes Chapel’s annual Christmas Market and Fair, organised by Holmes Chapel Partnership. The event featured bustling market stalls, a vibrant fairground and festive stage performances that lit up the village despite the stormy weather.

Holmes Chapel’s main thoroughfare, The Square, was transformed into a festive hub as traffic made way for bustling market stalls, welcoming shops, and lively pubs and eateries, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

There was also a four-hour spectacular of on-stage performances from village schools, bands and dance groups, hosted by local radio station Dane Sound.

“This is the fifth year we’ve closed the road to host this event which includes over 50 stalls and a large fairground,” 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 the event gave all the businesses who participated a strong December boost.”

Stallholders at the event were selected from the local area and included Holmes Chapel Community Pre-School which has supported the event for several years while raising funds for the community-run charity.

Trustee Vicky Groves said: “Thank you to Holmes Chapel Partnership for another great Christmas market. We had a wonderful time and truly appreciate all the hard work that goes into the event. More importantly, we raised vital money from our tombola stall for the Pre-School building fund. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the event!”

The annual Christmas Market and Fair is organised and run almost entirely by a team of volunteers, combining Holmes Chapel Partnership’s committee with other local groups including the Village Volunteers who litter-picked throughout the event, Viking Explorer Scouts who helped stallholders carry their stock to and from their vehicles, Holmes Chapel Fire Station who provided First Aid support, St. Luke’s Church bellringers who sound out the bells to announce the start of the event, musicians Darren & Mike who headlined the stage, and many more.

The not-for-profit event would not have been possible without all the wonderful volunteers as well as generous sponsorships from local businesses: Holmes Chapel Parish Council, Bespak, Dutton Builders Merchants, Hurstwood Holdings, Massey Feeds, Newtons MOT Centre, Joe Whites Fun Fairs, Hipswing, 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 and groups working in and around Holmes Chapel. Full details of the Sleigh schedule and how to donate can be found at https://www.hcpartnership.org.uk/santas-sleigh

Thank you to Jennby Kozyra, Andy Bayley and Gail Griggs for the photos: