Bideford’s First Victorian Christmas Frost Fair Brings the Town to Life

13 January, 2025

Bideford’s First Victorian Christmas Frost Fair Brings the Town to Life

Saturday, December 14th, saw Bideford’s first-ever Victorian Frost Fair bring the town to life, filling it to the brim with Christmas festivities. The event, a collaboration between local business owners, Torridge District Council, Discover Bideford, Bideford Town Council, and South West Event Management Solutions CIC, turned Bideford Town Centre into a vibrant hub of festive cheer.

There was entertainment a plenty! including stilt walkers, chimney sweeps, penny farthings, horse and carriage rides, donkeys, musicians, street food, a bar, and a wide range of craft activities and workshops. Santa's Grotto and his cheeky elves were a hit, while live music played across the town, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

In a special moment, the event coincided with the signing of the Bideford Pannier Market lease, a long-standing tradition marking the Bideford Town Council’s formal lease takeover from Torridge District Council for the Pannier Market complex.

The Mayor, civic party, and councillors joined a procession from the Town Hall, led by the Town Crier and Standard Bearer, along Allhalland Street, into the High Street, and up Grenville Street to the Pannier Market. The Town Band played Christmas carols, and the Mayor handed out the Allotment Awards. The Mayor dispensed mead after the ceremony, and the councillors distributed mince pies and clotted cream. This event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the town’s history in grand style.

Councillor Doug Bushby, Chair of Torridge District Council, added, “It was heartwarming to see families, friends, and visitors from near and far come together to celebrate Bideford. A big shout-out to the Bideford traders for embracing the spirit of the event, as well as the volunteers and the teams at Torridge District Council, Bideford Town Council, and South West Event Management Solutions CIC for their hard work in making it happen.”

Bideford Town Clerk Paul Swan said  “I’m really pleased with how the whole town-wide event went. A huge thank you to Jim Weeks, Bideford’s Town Crier, who is celebrating 40 years of service, marked with the presentation of portraits at the event.”

Lucy Lowe from South West Event Management Solutions CIC, who organised the market and entertainment in the Market Hall, said, “The event was a great success. Many people worked extremely hard behind the scenes to bring it to life, and the turnout was fantastic. The feedback speaks for itself, and we’re already looking forward to next year!”

The local community came in full force to celebrate, with many shopkeepers donning Victorian attire to join in the theme. The event was a great success, and plans are already in place to repeat it next year. Any local businesses interested in participating can contact Discover Bideford Regeneration Board 

What People Are Saying: Bideford Shopkeepers

  • Megan from Magpie & Hook: "It was a fantastic event! So much hard work went into the planning and organising for a town wide event. It is so lovely to see so many positive comments and honestly I have never enjoyed an event in Bideford so much as the Frost Fair. We were busy busy busy at Magpie & Hook and our customers were happy and enjoying the great atmosphere in the town. Lots of families out shopping and there really was something for everyone to enjoy, with the steam traction engine rides, horse and carriage rides, the beautiful donkeys, penny farthing rider, stilt walkers, buskers and more. Discover Bideford Bideford Town Council and traders should be so proud of this achievement."
  • Karen from Mother Clucking Farm Bideford : "‘Huge heartfelt thanks to all that visited Bideford for the Victorian Frost Fair. The town was full of life and it was fantastic to see Bideford Pannier Market and Butcher's row full and vibrant once again. Thank you and well done to the organisers Discover Bideford Torridge District Council Bideford Town Council Here is to more great things for our town!’"
  • Jolene from Raphael : "Traders were part of a group working alongside Discover Bideford to bring a memorable winter experience to the town. The traders were in awe at the response with an impressive turnout for the event. The Clovelly donkeys were loved by all ages and Father Christmas really did bring cheer to the town."
  • Old Bridge Antique Centre: "‘A big thanks to everyone who joined us for late night shopping on Saturday - our hot fruit punch went down a treat! Let's be honest, us adults love a bit of nostalgia at Christmas - it's all about reliving those warm memories and bringing a touch of the past into our celebrations.’
  • The Hub Hair Salon: "A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who popped in to see us for a Christmas drinks yesterday it was lovely to see you and for your support.’
  • Trev from Minxy’s Sweets: "Minxy's Sweets would like to thank everyone involved in the planning and organisation of the Victorian Frost Fair. We think it was a huge success not just for the Pannier Market Complex but also for the whole town. This type of event has certainly put Bideford front and central on the map Huge congratulations to all involved."
  • Annie’s Treats: "Would just like to say a massive thanks to everyone who purchased/supported me yesterday. I had a fab day the music and entertainment was awesome I look forward to seeing you again soon. Merry Christmas and Good Blessings for the New Year"

What People Are Saying: Bideford Community some of the comments on Facebook

  • Catherine May: "IT was fantastic...great atmosphere and brilliant to see Bideford so vibrant and busy! Great work to the team who made it happen"
  • Carole Lovelock: "‘It was very busy at the Pannier market best ever. More please"
  • Karen Goodman: "we thoroughly enjoyed it and really hope for something similar next year."
  • Jane Vincent: "Lovely afternoon in Bideford. Started at Atlantic Village and went onto Bideford. Throughly enjoyed everything - and thank you for the free parking"
  • Kay Di Georgio: "Bideford you were brilliant today. We loved the horse & carriage ride. Thankyou to all who organized & Happy Christmas!"
  • Emily Janet: "‘Never seen Mill Street so busy as today. I'd seen the posters but didn't really understand what the event was. Popped into town and I have to say I think it's the best event l've seen in Bideford. So much to see and do spread around the town, my little one loved it. Wish I'd known about the workshops and that we'd gone in earlier to make the most of it all."
  • Sally Ellis: "We had a great time and got loads of goodies it was well worth all your work. Thank you"
  • Tony Morgan: "We have just been to the pannier market, which is the most lively I have seen it for a while. Lots of stalls... Butchers Row is remarkable."

To keep up to date with all things Bideford including events follow DiscoverBideford.co.uk