NAILSEA
PEOPLE
For this is Christmas 2024
Sunday, December 8. 11am experience the magic of Santas on the Run at Charlton Farm, Wraxall
ROLL UP, ROLL UP: See panto join the circus, and be swept away by a pantomime spectacular that’s just right! For four weeks only, join comedian, TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley as the Hippodrome is transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible, and anything could (and will) happen! Goldilocks and the Three Bears is at Bristol Hippodrome from Saturday to Sunday, December 7-January 5. Tickets from £13.00 subject to a transaction fee of £3.95 here https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/goldilocks-and-the-three-bears/bristol-hippodrome/
BEAUTIFUL AND BEASTLY: Beauty and the Beast playing The Playhouse at Weston-super-Mare from Saturday to Tuesday, December 7-31. Starring Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey as Stacey's mum), Derek Moran (Milkshake! TV) and Michael Goble (Ministry of Science Live),Ticket sales are going well for this popular local theatre house. Pictured in costumes at rehearsal. Tickets from £25 https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/playhouse-theatre/whats-on/beauty-and-the-beast
A much-loved Christmas event – Santas on The Run – is returning to North Somerset in 2024.
Santas on the Run, which will see people dressed as Father or Mother Christmas, elves and other festive characters, is on Sunday, December 8, in the grounds of Children’s Hospice South West’s hospice at Charlton Farm in Wraxall.
This is the second year the 2k festive run has been held in the beautiful grounds of Charlton Farm.
Last year’s event saw more than 260 people take part, raising an incredible £18,000 for CHSW.
This year the event kicks off at noon with activities in the specially created events village.
On the day there will be entertainment from the Rock Choir, a snow machine, face painters, food and drink and a fabulous festive warm up by Joe Chapman to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
People are encouraged to arrive in festive fancy dress with prizes on the day for the best dressed child, adult, pram and dog.
Money raised from Santas on the Run will go towards offering care and support to local families who use CHSW’s three hospices including Charlton Farm.
Buy online tickets including the earlybird 30 per cent off Super Santa offer www.chsw.org.uk/event/santas-run-north-somerset-2024 available until midday Wednesday, October 2.
Also included in the ticket price is half price entry to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm on the weekend of the event for the ticket holder and up to four friends and family.
All money raised from Santas on the Run will help CHSW to continue providing care to local children living with life limiting conditions and their families.
Participants are encouraged to raise £25 in sponsorship as an individual and £70 per family.
The region’s leading four-star hotel has put in place what it has described as its biggest ever Christmas calendar that will make the 2024 festivities feel like one giant party.
Popular with families, friends and businesses alike looking to celebrate Christmas in style, the historic North Somerset house has provided, for many years, the perfect backdrop for revellers wanting somewhere special to enjoy a festive feast or party night out.
This year’s programme includes a range of events which will appeal to all age groups from little ones excited to meet Father Christmas to those who enjoy live music or are looking for the perfect Christmas gift.
Matilda Burgess, marketing manager at Cadbury House said: “This is by far the biggest Christmas programme we’ve put together here at Cadbury House.
"We’ve made sure there is something for everyone so that no matter what age, you can rest assured you’ll have a fabulous time.
“For parents and their children, the Santa brunch and lunch are ideal as there’ll be a visit from Father Christmas while at the Christmas Fayre there’ll be a Santa’s Grotto.
“Those who fancy something a bit more interactive will like the festive murder mystery night while the live band and DJ and disco dates are perfect for business parties or larger groups of friends.
“Whatever you’re looking for we’ve definitely got it covered.”
The Cadbury House Christmas programme includes:
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Christmas murder mystery Wednesday, December 11
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Live band nights, various dates throughout November and December
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DJ and disco nights, various dates throughout November and December
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Christmas fair 5-8pm, Wednesday, November 27, with more than 30 stalls and Santa’s grotto - see more below
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Santa’s Saturday brunch, December 14, and Sunday lunch on December 15 ,including visit from Father Christmas and disco
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Christmas day lunch
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New Year’s Eve ball
For further information please visit https://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/christmas/ or call 01934 834343
FESTIVE FOOD: The Moorend Spout, at Kingshill, Nailsea, invites customers to join them this Christmas for an unforgettable Christmas dinner and be a part of the Moorend Spout family this year. Let us do all the hard work call or email in to enquire about a table or for menus and bookings go to https://www.themoorendspout.co.uk/event/christmas/
M&S selling Colin the Christmas caterpillar
FESTIVE FLORAL ART 2: The Ring O'Bells Christmas wreath workshop by Kathryn Delve Master Florist is on Saturday, December 7, at 2pm. This must be pre-booked as there are a limited amount of spaces, the cost of workshop is £50. Book at pub or contact Kathryn to book at Kathryn@kathryndelveflorist.com
FESTIVE FLORAL ART 1: Christmas Wreath Workshop at Jacklands Fishing Lakes Farm Shop, Tickenham, on Thursday, December 5, 7-10pm. The workshop costs £60pp and includes all materials, hot drinks and homemade cake. To book double click on poster above
Ring O'Bells
pop in to book
The very best West Country food and drink producers and artisans stalls, community stalls and entertainment arrive in December.
There will be a wide range of vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, alcohol free food and drink on sale with more than 100 producers setting out their wares.
The eat:festivals are all about bringing the community together in festive cheer and is supported by Nailsea Town Council.
You'll be able to pick up Christmas gifts and stocking filler from local businesses and craftspeople while enjoying live entertainment.
The band Dolphin booked from 10am, a DJ will be spinning tunes outside Waitrose and then The Twice Dailies from 2pm outside Number 65 High Street.
Hot food and drink stands will be available to keep you warm and toasty and there will plenty of activities for young people to enjoy including FREE Christmas balloon modelling, FREE face painting, and most excitingly, the Ice Queen herself will be making an appearance singing her popular seasonal hits.
Father Christmas will be outside the former Home Additions shop on his sleigh, circus performers will be showing off their skills on the village green and a fire dancer will be performing at dusk.
The High Street will be closed to traffic and the festival will spread its good cheer into Crown Glass Shopping Centre
Perhaps our superstar Mollie Pearce may like to take a spin here in Weston-super-Mare before she takes part in the Dancing on Ice television show in the new year?
This huge covered outdoor ice rink is set to return to Weston-super-Mare again this winter, following an agreement reached between North Somerset Council and Icescape.
The Tropicana will host Icescape from Friday to Sunday, November 1-January 5.
Up to 400 skaters can take to the ice in each 45-minute skate session, and there’s a variety of skate sessions for everyone to enjoy.
These include the popular parent toddler, quiet, disco and skate & donate sessions.
Other activities will also be running, including festive food and drink stalls.
Approximately 80,000 visitors enjoyed the attraction last year.
An exciting planning application is due to be submitted this month to restore the Tropicana as a popular attraction/event space.
For more information, visit www.icescapetropicana.com.
Image courtesy of Icescape Tropicana
Opportunity to dance on ice in Weston
The Yarr'd
call 01275 544812 or pop in to the Kingshill salon
MUSIC MAESTO: The North Somerset Philharmonia presents a concert of well-known classics and festive music on Saturday, December 14, at the auditorium, Nailsea School, with a performance of the Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Greensleeves, Haydn’s Symphony No. 103 Drumroll, Hely-Hutchinson’s Carol Symphony and other yuletide favourites with conductor Ben England and orchastra leader Ali White. Tickets available on the door, from Nailsea Music Shop and on its website, www.nsphilharmonia.org.uk. Adults £15, concessions £12, under 18s £6. There will be a retiring collection in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association
what can it be - we'll just
have to wait and see...
Christmas at Tyntesfield
SOLD OUT
For the past few years St Quiricus and St Julietta church on The Causeway at Tickenham has invited village organisations and residents to show their talents by putting together a display based on a Christmas theme.
Previous years have shown some really imaginative and colourful exhibits based on Christmas carols and pantomimes.
This year it will be all about fairy tales.
There is a wide range to chose from.
The church will be open noon-3pm every Saturday and Sunday in December. Admission free and everyone is welcome.
There will be a candlelit preview evening on Saturday, November 30, from 6-8pm. Admission £5, which includes a glass of prosecco. Children free.
Fairy tale theme
CHRISTMAS IS FOR GIVING: Nailsea Foodbank is at Southfield Road church and has an emergency number on 0792 747 2649 which you can call/text/WhatsApp or email nailseafoodbank@gmail.com. Nailsea Foodbank is a branch of Clevedon and District Foodbank (Charity No:1154997), and is part of the Trussell network. Bring donations along during opening hours 12.30-2.30pm on Fridays, or to the Sunday morning service. Donations can also be dropped in the collection bin at the end of the checkouts in Waitrose. For more information go online at clevedondistrict.foodbank.org.uk.
A special Christmas fair is at a leading four-star hotel which will not only provide visitors the chance to get into the Christmas spirit, but allow them to pick up some locally made gifts.
At Cadbury House on Wednesday, November 27, the fair, which has free entry, will include more than 30 local artisan stalls all bringing their bespoke gifts, goodies and food.
Exhibitors include silver jewellery, handmade resin art, homemade candles, bags, Christmas decorations and cards, homemade glass décor, beaded jewellery, personalised cushions, crochet bags, homemade chilli jams, chutneys, pickles and hot sauces, Christmas cakes, cupcakes, homemade fudge and personalised crafts and trinkets.
Starting at 5pm and finishing at 8pm the fait will also have a visit from Father Christmas making the event even more magical. It follows a similar event which took place last year and was a huge success.
Matilda Burgess, marketing manager at Cadbury House said: “Our Christmas fair is just one of the many events we’ve got organised to celebrate the festivities.
“Last year was really popular so we’re hoping local people will come along and support all those who will be selling their gifts and goodies.
"For Cadbury House as a business, it’s also important that we provide these local businesses an environment where they can sell their goods to local people.
“We will also be selling hot dogs, real hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies on the evening and Father Christmas will be visiting between 5-7pm.”
The fair forms part of what Cadbury House has described as its biggest ever Christmas calendar that will make the 2024 festivities feel like one giant party.
Popular with families, friends and businesses alike looking to celebrate Christmas in style, the historic North Somerset house has provided, for many years, the
perfect backdrop for revellers wanting somewhere special to enjoy a festive feast or party night out.
Matilda added: “This year’s Christmas programme includes a range of events which will appeal to all age groups from little ones excited to meet Father Christmas to those who enjoy live music or are looking for the perfect Christmas gift.”
For further information please visit Christmas party venue Somerset - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol South - Cadbury House Limited space is still available to exhibit. For further information please contact christmas@cadburyhouse.com
Nailsea Town Council is excited for the Christmas 2024 light up for our High Street and village green.
This will include lovely Christmas lighting using energy efficient lights made out of recycled plastic bottles along the road.
As well as the lighting, the High Street illuminations will include a community Christmas tree on the village green donated by Quality Collectables, motifs on the lighting columns, giant globes and a stunning winter wonderland vision of snowflakes projected onto the green, as well as other Christmassy lighting delights.
The Christmas Tree Light Up ceremony is on Friday, November 22.and this is the tinsel timetable:
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5.45pm people encouraged to gather at village green
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5.55pm merry Christmas speeches and winner of Christmas bauble competition announced
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6pm Christmas lights switched-on and reindeer hunt begins
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6.05pm VDUBS parade down the High Street
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6.15pm VDUBS will be parked in Station Road car park
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7pm time to find nearest watering hole for some more Christmas cheers and the reindeer hunt ends
The winners of the competition for the best Christmas tree bauble will switch on the lights on the Christmas tree and then the Christmas Vee Dubs vehicles adorned with fairy lights will parade down the High Street.
As well as the town council illuminating the town centre, Praxis, owners of Crown Glass Shopping Centre will be also be adding lights and Christmas decorations to its Somerset Square and Collier Walk areas to help make the shopping centre look really special for the season.
All the baubles will be displayed on the Christmas tree on the village green over the festive period with the two competition winners receiving a £20 voucher. There are two age groups for the competition.
Up to eight years and eight years and above.
To enter the competition please deliver your lovely, weather proof, beautifully designed Christmas bauble to No 65 High Street by an extended deadline of Monday, November 18, for the attention of manager Trudy Hollow.
Please attach your name, age and contact details to your bauble.
You will get a yummy chocolate for delivering the bauble.
Trudy said: “We are really pleased to be supporting Nailsea with a seasonal display of lights.
"A great Christmas display in the High Street and the town centre is beneficial for us all as it brings visitors into the town to shop and support local businesses at their often most important trading time of the year.
Nailsea Town Council light the way
Fun loving Tracie Skinner will be taking her special ‘festive Fiat’ back on the road this Christmas to raise
money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).
Tracie, dressed herself in festive garb, will be getting behind the wheel of her ‘Santa Car’ this December.
The car, which Tracie has owned since aged 16, is a well-known sight on the roads of Somerset
and Bristol in the run up to Christmas.
“When people see it, it always raises a smile,” said Tracie.
“It really brightens peoples’ day and motorists always beep, wave or flash their lights.”
Tracie, from Cannington, was given the bright red 1970 Fiat 500 when she was just 16 – before she had
even passed her driving test.
“I restored the car and got it on the road,” said Tracie
“I love Christmas and always go overboard on decorating my house for the festive season.
“One day I looked at the Fiat and thought, I wonder if I could fit a Santa hat on the top.”
Tracie worked with mum Sue to find the furry red and white fabric and set about designing a Santa hat
for the car.
“It was quite a job as we had to design it and make sure we could make it fit on the roof securely and
safely,” said Tracie.
The hat was a hit - with it even attracting attention from the local police.
“I did worry initially during the first year that I may get stopped by the police while driving the car with the
hat on,” Tracie laughed.
“One day while I was out driving I got pulled over by the police in Taunton and I panicked a bit.
“But I needn’t have worried – the officers just wanted a selfie picture with the car.”
Tracie has raised thousands of pounds for charity with her Festive Fiat over the last several years.
This year money collected via the Festive Fiat Just Giving Page will go to Children’s Hospice South
West.
Tracie will also be bringing the car to CHSW’s Santas on the Run event at Charlton Farm on December
8. The event will see hundreds of people take part in a 2k run around the stunning grounds of the Wraxall site, all dressed in festive fancy dress.
New Year's Eve celebration at The Moorend Spout!
Join us as we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025 with a bang!
We're hosting a spectacular New Year's Eve party at The Moorend Spout, and you're invited!
Here's what we have in store for you:
Dance the night away with our DJ, who will be spinning tunes until late.
Enjoy a sumptuous 3-course set menu for just £38.95.
This is going to be a night that the people of Nailsea will never forget!
So, don your party hats, bring your friends, and let's ring in the New Year together!
Book your spot now at www.themoorendspout.co.uk.
Hurry, as seats are limited!
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Nailsea Community Group run a free food service from its base at 26 Somerset Square.
This isn't just for Christmas but operates all year round.
This community group supports more than 20 households on a weekly basis as well as a further 25 households who are part of the food club, and over 240 children every school holiday who receive free school meals.
In the run up to Christmas its donations boxes are really low and they really need your help to fill them.
There are drop off points at Waitrose, Tesco and Iceland supermarkets all clearly labelled Nailsea Community Group.
Alternatively they are open Monday to Saturday 10am-12.30pm next door to WH Smith if you would prefer to drop donations off.
Do you run a local business, group, or work in an office that could perhaps do a collection for this foodbank?
Or perhaps you can help in other ways?
If you would like to donate financially that’s great too as we can purchase what we need, said Shelley Forbes who is organizing this fundraiser.
Go to https://gofund.me/e49b5b87
Nailsea Community Group Christmas fundraising plea
Nailsea Town Council community wellbeing officer Hayley Orchard is based at 65 High Street where she works usually on Mondays and Tuesdays.
She said: "We had approximately 400 people attending the pumpkin hunt, so I have decided to run a reindeer hunt at the Christmas Light Switch on Friday, November 22.
"I will be placing reindeers around the high street for families to hunt and then come to No 65 for a prize and a mince pie."
In traditional festive legend and popular culture, Santa Claus's reindeer are said to pull a sleigh through the night sky to help Santa deliver gifts to children to open on Christmas morning.
The number of reindeer characters and names given to them differ but those frequently cited are the eight listed in Clement Clarke Moore's 1823 poem A Visit from St. Nicholas.
In the original poem, the names of the reindeer are given as Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder and Blixem before Rudolph came along with a nose so bright it could guide Santa’s sleigh.
A night of festive murder mystery is returning to one of the region’s most atmospheric venues which has become renowned for its period whodunnits!
On the night, wannabe Hercules Poirots will be stretched to work out who the fiendish offender is while enjoying a festive three-course meal during a night of mischievous misdemeanours.
Taking place at Cadbury House in Congresbury on Wednesday, December 11, tickets include a three-course Christmas meal, disco night and coffee & mince pies to end the night.
The setting for this particular night of dastardly deeds is the case of Santa’s ‘Claws’!
It’s Christmas 1937 and Mr Uffton-Harlecombe, has just left a meeting of his business associates. There was very little Christmas cheer at that meeting.
In fact, as he pulled his thick coat around him to shield him from the silently falling snow, he smiled to himself, there were more than a few people in that room who now knew that crossing him was not a smart career move.
Still inwardly laughing to himself he crossed the road and began to walk back down the side street to his motor car.
Everywhere was silent. He stopped in a doorway to light a cigarette. Perhaps for a fleeting second he may have seen the white bearded face, the crimson costume, perhaps he even saw the weapon.
Uffton-Harlecombe had misjudged the meeting tonight, the information he had spilled out to the assembled people had been taken far more to heart than he could ever had imagined.
One person was going to make this a Christmas everyone would want to forget!
Matilda Burgess, marketing manager believes those who come along will be in for a fantastic night of detective work, while enjoying the ambience and atmosphere of the 19th century Cadbury House.
Matilda said: “The murder mystery nights are one of our most popular events and everyone who comes along really gets into the spirit of the occasion.
“With its gothic gables the old house really does provide the perfect backdrop
Whodunnit - was it Santa?
and adds to the overall experience while the characters involved in the evening only add to the authenticity and drama of the evening as it unfolds!”
Tickets cost £60 per person and includes a three-course dinner with coffee and tea plus entertainment until midnight.
The bar opens from 6.30pm, with guests seated at 7.30pm.
Fancy dress is encouraged for this event but not necessary.
For further information go to https://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/events/christmas-murder-mystery-disco-joiner-party/ or call 01934 834 343.
PHOTO: A still from Who Killed Santa?
A Murderville Murder Mystery Image via Netflix
Hundreds of riders with be taking part in the annual Santas on a Bike from Bristol to the Children’s Hospice at Charlton Farm, on Saturday, December 7.
The event, which sees approximately 900 bikers from across the UK and West Country ride from Winterbourne to Wraxall raises thousands of pounds for the CHSW each December.
This year will be the 21st anniversary of Santas on a Bike.
Riders will meet at Winterbourne Academy at 10.30am before setting off at 1pm to make their way along Bradley Stoke Way and along the A38 to the city centre, Park Street and the Cumberland Basin before heading to Charlton Farm.
Riders, all dressed in festive costumes, also dress up their bikes with tinsel and lights and carry collecting buckets along the route.
Organiser Dave Sanders, who will be taking part on his Yamaha FJR 1300, said: “It’s a fabulous event and its incredible what riders decorate their bikes with.
“As they go along, there are stops for people to make donations with collection buckets attached to the bike or being carried by pillion passengers.”
The ride ends at Charlton Farm where the army of bikers are refreshed with hot drinks, and of course, cake.
The prize raffle is also drawn at Charlton Farm.
“The support from volunteers and the biking community is inspiring with incredible atmosphere at all the Santa's on a Bike events,” said Dave.
Santas on a Bike was started by Paul Wren and a group of friends, initially starting off as a toy run for a local children’s home and a charity fundraiser.
The first ride saw 665 presents donated along with £200 cash.
Santas on a Bike returns
The event has grown in popularity over the years and along with Charlton Farm, there are also rideouts at CHSW’s Little Harbour Hospice in Cornwall and Little Bridge House in Barnstaple.
For more information and to get involved visit www.santasona bike.org.uk or check out Santas on a Bike on Facebook.
Pictured in a biker from Backwell taking part in a previous run.
"It also adds a real sense of community for Nailsea, cheering everyone up, and making Nailsea feel festive. This is lovely at this time of year and is a real morale booster for the town and people.”
PHOTOS: From 2023 more in a slideshow in our gallery HERE
LITTLE LOUNGERS: An invite to pop down to Livro Lounge at Somerset Square any afternoon between 3-5pm and pen a letter to Santa Claus. This holiday season is the perfect time to share your wishes and dreams and writing a letter to Santa is fun and magical way to let him know what you've been hoping for
