By Mal Butler
This year’s Christmas in Ventnor festivities will take place tomorrow (Saturday) and will be bigger and better than ever.
These celebrations are being organised by St Catherine’s Church, Ventnor Carnival Association and Ventnor Town Council and feature live music, a lantern parade, and carols in Ventnor Park.
There are indoor craft markets at various locations, including The Winter Gardens and Ventnor Baptist Church. The craft market at the Winter Gardens will be raising funds for St Catherine’s School. They will also be welcoming a team of storytellers, who will be performing at various locations around town during the day.
Santa and his elves have been busy getting the grotto in the town centre ready, and will be open during the day. Better Days Café will be leading Christmas crafts and hosting a choir.
Free parking will be available at all the Town Council car parks.
Live music in Spring Hill Gardens will feature some of Ventnor’s favourite performers – with the stage managed by Bethan John.
Ventnor Carnival Association is organising a ‘Best Dressed’ Window Competition and a ‘Window Spot’, as well as the lantern parade with awards for the ‘Best Lantern’ and ‘Best Fancy Dress’ in a range of categories.
The 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.
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.
Ventnor Mayor, Steve Cooper, said: “I hope you will be able to join us for our Christmas celebrations this year – it is 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 participating.”
Isle of Wight Observer