A CHRISTMAS CAROL WITH NICOLE

X Factor star Nicole Lawrence headlines the Stamford Christmas Festival on December 13!

For a truly idyllic start to the festive season, head to Stamford on December 13 for the Christmas Festival 2009. The town will be transformed into a scene from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with a Victorian market with dozens of stalls and costumed stallholders selling all kinds of gifts and crafts amidst a couple of snow machines. There’ll also be a huge food market – not surprising considering one of the sponsors is Waitrose and should all this shopping wear you out, there’ll be gallons of hot mulled wine and plenty of hog roasts available to revive your spirits.

Located in Bath Row, Sheep Market, Red Lion Square and Stamford High Street there’ll be horse drawn coach rides, a Christmas treasure trail,  old fashioned fair rides including The Gallopers, fantastic food market, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, Victorian games, live entertainment and carols from local professional performers.

There’ll be live entertainment all day long inlcuding a David Bowie tribute and the X Mas Factor – a talent contest in the style of the X Factor, and will be hosted by none other than Nicole Lawrence who recently appeared on the ITV show. She’ll also be performing live later in the day for the candle-lit Big Sing Off on Red Lion Square at 5pm, where she’ll be leading the crowds in festive favourites.

Nicole’s already had some practice singing carols instore at Westgate Department store in Peterborough before turning on the city’s lights back in November.

Everyone knows that Father Christmas always finds out who’s naughty and nice, so if you need a few extra brownie points this year then the Christmas Festival organisers are looking for volunteers.

For more info, call Rosie Maclennan on 01780 480490 or email info@stamfordtownpartnership.co.uk

Photos: Terry Harris