A magical time in KIRKBY LONSDALE 4th-6th Dec 2019
Don’t miss the annual Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair, with so many independent local shops, stalls and attractions, you’ll find Christmas shopping a piece of cake… and there are plenty of places to enjoy something festive to eat also!
Kirkby Lonsdale is a traditional market town set in a magnificent and colourful corner of the county. Tucked away near the borders of Lancashire and Yorkshire, it was once noted as a gateway to either the Lakes or the Dales. Today, it sets out its stall as a visitor destination in its own right.
It is an easy town to get round. The main shopping area is Main Street and Market Street, which is actually just one street with a 90-degree bend in the middle, which is where the name changes. New Road, one of three main arteries leading to the town centre, also has its share of the dozens of independent shops offering an eye-catching comprehensive range of goods. But explore the back alleys and ginnels and there’s even more to discover.
And there’s an historic Charter market every Thursday.
Christmas Fair 4-6 December 2019
Kirkby Lonsdale’s Town and Tourism Manager, Sarah Ross, has worked with the Town Council and the Chamber of Trade to make this Christmas something really special. In December, the town will stage its most ambitious event yet – a three day Christmas Market and Fair. It promises to be a magical time for all.
The weekend starts on Friday, December 4, when the town’s shops are being encouraged to offer late night shopping for those in search of unusual or unique gifts for all ages. Cafes and hostelries will have a range of refreshments suitable for the season.
Throughout the weekend, until Sunday, the 6th, there will be a traditional Christmas Market in Market Square. Visitors will certainly find something of interest as they browse stalls featuring glass work, quirky home accessories, fabric bags, luxury baking kits, boutique clothes for younger people, cushions and throws, take-away hot dogs with Prosecco, natural beauty products, Christmas decorations, scented candles, toys and children’s books, paintings and prints, wooden and die cast toys and souvenirs, crepes and waffles, and tablecloths, pyjamas and dressing gowns in silk and cashmere.
The town centre will be pedestrianised as street entertainers delight visitors with a variety of activities. Pipes and drums, the town’s award-winning brass band, a carnival band, a Dickensian choir, Punch and Judy, a Christmas elf and reindeer, the town’s own brewery – these are just a few of the attractions.
Parades, Santa and Lights turn on
The highlights of both Saturday and Sunday will be the parades. Saturday afternoon sees Santa travel through the town centre using his magic wand to turn on the lights of all the small Christmas trees as he passes each shop in town. His parade features local organisations and groups, with the general public welcome to join in.
On Sunday, don’t miss the Santa Parade. This features Santa and Santa supporters in a variety of vehicles, again accompanied by youngsters from the local community. It’s a parade everyone is invited to join.
Santa’s grotto in Market Square ensures all youngsters go home happy with their own special gift.
The organisers are doing their best to provide extra parking. The town has four pay-and-display car parks in use over the weekend, on-street parking will be restricted, but parking will be available at Devil’s Bridge where Wood Close caravan park will open up two of their fields for overspill parking.
Kirkby Lonsdale is certainly the place where Christmas will be special this year.
KIRKBY LONSDALE BIKE RIDES: SUNDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2019
For those who want a more active Christmas, two cycle runs are being organised, both taking place on Sunday 6th December. There will be a 7 and 14 mile Santa Cycle when riders are invited to dress up as – yes – Santa! It’s a simple ride on local roads. Go round twice and you’ll complete the 14-mile circuit. The other ride out involves mountain bikes and will take riders out by Bull Pot and back through Barbon Woods, a scenic ride which is not too testing.
Parking? The town has four pay-and-display car parks in use over the weekend, on-street parking will be restricted, but parking will be available at Devil’s Bridge where Wood Close caravan park will open up two of their fields for overspill parking.
Read the article in the magazine here