Christmas Fayre presents opportunities for festive fun and shopping

It’s very nearly the season to be jolly - and traders are being encouraged to become festive and get ahead of the game by booking their slot in Newton Abbot’s second year of Christmas Street Fayres.

Born Hectic Events, the organisers of last year's successful event, has once again teamed up with Teignbridge District Council and Newton Abbot Town Development Manager Sally Henley to put on two evenings of shopping, music and entertainment. The Street Fayres are back by popular demand on Wednesday 11 December and Wednesday 18 December.

Both run from 6pm - 9pm. Ahead of that, traders are being urged to get involved and book a place - last year, extra space had to be provided because demand outstripped supply. On Wednesday 11 there will be: *Market stalls and visiting stalls in Courtenay Street, Market Square and Queen Street.

*World food, live music and street entertainment in Queen Street, Courtenay Street.

*The Market Hall and Food Hall are open with live entertainment.

*A Lantern Parade starting from Bearnes Primary School at 6pm

Newton Abbot Mayor’s Carol Service outside St Leonard’s Tower at 7pm On Wednesday 18 there will be:

*Market stalls and visiting stalls in Courtenay Street, Market Square and Queen Street.

*World food, live music and street Entertainment in Queen Street and Courtenay Street.

*Market Hall and Food Hall open with live entertainment

*Father Christmas in his St Leonard's Clock Tower Grotto On both evenings a section of Queen Street will be closed to traffic.

Queen Street will be closed from 11am - late from Albany Street to Courtenay Street and Union Street will close from 4pm until late from Carlisle Street down to Courtenay Street. This means people can enjoy all the entertainment on offer in the safety of a fully pedestrianised zone.

The Christmas Street Fayre will compliment Newton Abbot’s proud history as a market town.

The markets offer a variety of activities including both indoor and outdoor markets featuring a food hall. There are also livestock auctions and Produce markets. With a range of unique stallholders and businesses, the markets are a great place for people who are in search of quirky gifts, local produce and an array of shopping needs. Teignbridge District Council is responsible for running Newton Abbot's range of indoor and outdoor markets.

Teignbridge District Council's Leader, Cllr Jeremy Christophers, said: “We’re really pleased to be involved in the Christmas Street Fayre events. They are a great reason for people to explore Newton Abbot, its numerous shops and our markets.

"Our markets are really popular and these festive events will really add to the atmosphere. We hope they are just as successful as they were last year.”

Mike Walsh is Newton Abbot's Market Manager. He said: "Lots of people have said to me how festive Newton Abbot looked during last year’s event, and the feedback from the Market Traders was very positive. I am very excited about this year’s event and looking forward to seeing many people and traders having a great Christmas Market experience."

The Market Hall will be open until 9pm on the 11 and 18 of December with live entertainment also taking place to get shoppers in the Christmas spirit.

Sally Henley, Newton Abbot Town Development Manager, said: "This is our second year of Christmas Street Fayres when we will once again produce a winning mix of Markets, Music and street entertainment, which will provide a lovely festive atmosphere in town for all the family. "Community choirs and groups will perform alongside professional entertainers throughout the extended pedestrianised area and this has also been warmly welcomed by Queen Street shops, which are looking forward to being included in the bustle and activity.

"Newton Abbot town centre will be a perfect place to sample not only local foods and crafts but also to admire local talent. Our wealth of national and independent shops will have their best festive feet forward for the evenings too and will be looking forward to welcoming Christmas shoppers."

Born Hectic Events produce, support and manage all kinds of events from a small celebration to a large arts and music festival Shelley Worthy, from Born Hectic Events, said: "The Born Hectic team is really looking forward to creating the Newton Abbot experience again this year.

"Our stall holders were delighted with the warm welcome they received in December 2012 and so have signed up for pitches this year, but there is room for more! While all of the hot food pitches are now filled, we would still welcome Christmas craft, gift or produce stalls."

Anyone wishing to have a pitch (please note stalls are not provided) can contact Shelly at Born Hectic on 07970 656988 or 01503 230288. For more information visit www.bornhecticevents.co.uk