It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Bournville as the countdown begins to the popular Christmas Festival and Lights Switch On.
The festival, on Saturday 25th November, takes place around Bournville Village Green and will run from 1pm-6pm, with the much-loved lights switch on set for 5pm.
This year’s event will feature a Santa’s Grotto, choir performances, festive music performed by Bournville Carillon, delicious street food and a fun Christmas tree trail.
Craft markets and stalls will also line Bournville Green and they’ll be local crafters at Bournville Parish Church, its centre hall and car park.
Frosty characters will be making an appearance at the Festival and there’s the chance to buy great gifts at Selly Manor Museum’s Handmade Christmas Craft Fair, from 11am-5pm, and at local shops.
The free festival is organised by several voluntary community partners who work together to make the event a success.
Partners include, Bournville Parish Church, Bournville Village Council, Bournville Village Trust, Friends of Bournville Carillon, Friends of Quaker Meeting House, the Hub on the Green, the Rest House Visitor Centre, Selly Manor Museum and St Francis Youth and Community Centre.
A spokesperson for Bournville Village Council, said: “We can’t wait to welcome you all to the 2023 Bournville Christmas Festival where Maypole Queen Lucy O’Sullivan will be pressing the button to light up our beautiful Bournville Christmas Tree.
“We’ve organised lots of lovely stalls for you to take a look at and we will also be bringing a very special guest to the green (in his newly decorated grotto).”
Elaine Li, Community Development and Involvement Manager at BVT, said: “This fantastic community event would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of all the partners involved in organising it. We’re all really looking forward to putting on a great Christmas festival and switching on the lights to signal the start of the festive season in Bournville.”
Louise Deakin, Heritage Engagement Officer at Selly Manor, said: “Selly Manor is excited to be part of the tradition of Bournville Christmas Festival. We’ve got lots of high-quality gifts for sale at our handmade craft fair. Browse jewellery, soap, candles, ceramics, leatherwork, woodwork, art prints, cards, Christmas decorations, and more – all by local makers.”
The festival will be held on and around Bournville Village Green, and Sycamore Road will be closed to all vehicles from 12pm-7pm to manage health and safety of festival visitors. Access to the car park behind the shops will be heavily restricted due to the road closure.
A small number of parking spaces for Blue Badge holders will be available at the Friends Meeting House, Linden Road. You must have a Blue Badge on display in your vehicle.
Toilet facilities will be available at Bournville Parish Church (Sycamore Road), The Friends Meeting House (Linden Road) and Selly Manor Museum (Maple Road).
