Get ready, it’s (nearly) Christmas!

Christmas is nearly upon us (where did the last year go?!) and there are plenty of festive events going on in the Vale. Here’s our round-up of things to do and see over the next few weeks.

Wantage Dickensian Evening

Highlight of this year’s Dickensian Evening in Wantage on Friday 7th December must be the synthetic ice rink which will take centre stage in the Market Square. Open between 4pm and 9pm (and also between 10am-6pm on Saturday 8th), this is bound to be a big attraction for local families. There’s a huge programme of events for the evening including music from Wantage Silver Band and  Ridgeway Harmony, traditional circle and clog dancing and the Icknield Way Morris Men. Shops are encouraged to take part in the window dressing competition - the theme this year is ‘Green Christmas’. There will also be a Victorian merry-go-round, side shows, charity stalls,  entertainers, people in traditional Victorian dress and, of course, Father Christmas! The entertainment starts at 6pm so come along for a great evening out!

Dickensian Evening runs from 6pm till 9pm in Wantage Market Square on Friday 7th December; all car parks are free from 4pm and also all day Saturday 8th, which is Christmas Shopping Day.

Festive Faringdon

Father Christmas is guest of honour at Festive Faringdon between 1pm and 5pm on Saturday 1st December, when the entire town becomes the venue for seasonal fun. The big chap in red will be switching on the lights to celebrate this popular annual event which is organised by Faringdon Retailers and the Rotary Club. There’s fun for everyone with a whole host of festive activities taking place all afternoon. Those looking for gift inspiration will love the craft stalls while children can get their thrills at the fairground. There’s also a window competition, live music, BBQ, hog roast, wine tasting and much more.

New - Faringdon’s

Late Night Shopping Night

During the build up to Xmas many Faringdon retailers will be trialling a late night opening scheme - most shops will be open till 7pm every Thursday between now and the end of the year. If the scheme is well supported it could well become a permanent fixture.

As an added bonus, if you shop in any of the participating stores after 4.30pm on any Thursday before Christmas you’ll be entered into a free raffle, and every week one lucky winner will win a meal for two at a pub or restaurant in Faringdon.

Don’t forget Didcot!

Solve your present crises at Didcot Craft Fair on Sunday 4th November from 10.30am - 4pm at the Civic Hall. Entry is only £1 and there will be over 60 stalls selling high quality gifts ranging from confectionary  and preserves  to handmade books, jewellery and Christmas decorations.

There’s more seasonal fun to be had at Didcot Street Fair, where Christmas is rockin’ and rollin’. Pop along on Thursday 29th November between 4pm and 9pm for gift and craft stalls, farmers market and all the fun of the fair. The grand parade commences at 7pm and the evening finishes with a special showing of the movie “Grease” at the cinema.

Contemporary Art Exhibition & Christmas Crafts

Following last year's successful exhibition and craft show, The Bullpen is showing the work of several artists from around the UK who took part in The Bullpen Iron Casting Workshop this July. The sculpture on show was cast in The Bullpen Foundry under the expert tuition of professors from Kansas State University. This is the first time an exhibition is being shown in the new Bullpen Gallery.

Also on show are paintings and works by Wesley Jacobs, who co-founded The Bullpen four years ago. Contemporary Christmas crafts also made by artists will be exhibited in the temporary gallery - all during the first three weekends of December.

Dates:  30th Nov, 1st-2nd Dec,

8th-9th Dec & 15th-16th Dec 2007

Times: 12-6pm each day

Entry:   £1 adults, free for children

For more details call Helen Jacobs on 01367 718722