This Saturday sees the community come together for the annual Christmas in Ventnor Day.
With Newport Road reopened just in time, there is a big sigh of relief from this year’s organisers, St Catherine’s Church, Ventnor Carnival Association and Ventnor Town Council.
The day features Christmas markets, a Pop-up market at Ingram’s Yard, live music, storytelling, Santa’s Grotto, a lantern parade, carols in the park and more.
Books galore
A pop-up market at Ingram’s Yard (accessible from Dudley Road) will be open from 10am-5pm, featuring Ventnor Book Bus – a popular haunt during Ventnor Fringe Festival – who will be on tour (without the bus) at Ingram’s Yard, offering a range of perfect Christmas presents for your loved ones (or you)!
Vintage haven
You’ll find a fantastic range of vintage marvels waiting to be discovered with Ventnor Vintage in the garage at the entrance of Ingram’s Yard, including vintage homeware, clothes and fabrics.
Inside the yard there will be local artists and makers, festive flavours with mince pies, stick waffles and excellent coffee from The Thirsty Bay, and The Lost Mill Bakery will be making the journey from Cowes to serve up fresh pastries and sourdough loaves.
Other markets
There are indoor craft markets at various locations, including The Winter Gardens and Ventnor Baptist Church.
St Catherine’s School will be holding a Christmas Market in St Catherine’s Church from 10.30am-4pm, where they’ll be welcoming some special guests
Storytelling and Santa
Elsewhere, there’ll be a team of storytellers – who will be performing at various locations around the town.
Santa’s and his elves have been busy getting the grotto in the town centre (in the former Lloyds Chemist building) preparing the grotto and will be open during the day. Better Days Cafe will be leading Christmas crafts and hosting a choir.
Live music, lanterns and carols
Check out the live music in Spring Hill Gardens, with some of Ventnor’s favourite performers – and Bethan John managing the stage.
The Lantern Parade will assemble on the Green in Dudley Road from 5pm and make its way to Ventnor Park – including Santa on his sleigh, the Vectis Corps of Drums and Ventnor Comic Jazz Band.
The Carols in the Park will feature many of our festive favourites led by the Undercliff Singers and Abbey Brass. Santa will of course be making a prominent appearance during the event.
Free parking
There will be free parking will be available at all the Town Council car parks (Dudley Road, Market Street and Pound Lane).
Ventnor Mayor – Steve Cooper said,
“I hope you will be able to join us for our Christmas celebrations this year– the town’s community coming together to celebrate Christmas.
“It’s great to see so many activities going on in town. Many thanks to the organisers and to the businesses and groups that are participating.”
So please come and support this community at the end of a very difficult week for the town.
