Eastlife Winter 2019

Beds, Bucks & Herts
Dickens of
a Christmas
If there’s one town that knows how to celebrate Christmas, it’s
Olney! The historic market town has firmly established itself as
home of one of the region’s must-visit Christmas markets –‘A
Dickens of a Christmas’.
On Sunday 8 December, from 10am to 4pm, traders dressed in
Victorian clothes will pack Olney’s Market Place and High Street
with stalls offering festive treats for everyone. A hugely popular
event, hosted by Olney Town Council, ‘A Dickens of a Christmas’
draws thousands of visitors from across the region to the town and
it’s clear to see why; this is one of the best festive events in East
Anglia, embodying the true spirit of the season…even Scrooge
would get into the Christmas spirit here.
As the smell of chestnuts fills the air, take time to browse the many
crafts, gifts and holly wreaths on display. When the cold bites,
warm up with a mulled wine or hot beverage and tasty turkey roll,
while stopping to soak up the festive atmosphere.
If you’re planning on hosting Christmas Day make sure you check
out the local produce available at the Farmers’ Market, which
offers everything for a perfect festive feast – after all Christmas isn’t
quite complete without a selection of fancy cheese and chutney!
Throughout the day there will be lots of entertainment to engage
all age groups, with brass bands, street artists and old fashioned
children’s fair rides. A visit would not be complete for children
without seeing Santa in his grotto.
There will also be indoor craft fairs in The Olney Centre and library
and The Carlton House Club for those looking to escape the cold
and buy one off gifts for loved ones this Christmas.
The event is a great opportunity to support local business and
charities. Olney’s wonderful array of shops and boutiques, as well
as cafes, pubs and restaurants will also be open to all.
To make things easier, this year visitors can avoid the traffic by
choosing the park and ride system into the town from Emberton
Park and the Yardley Road Industrial Estate.
Park in the designated area and then hop onto one of the coaches
for a short and simple journey into the town!
Full details at www.olneytowncouncil.gov.uk/event/dickensof-a-christmas
167 219 211