Bideford's Victorian Christmas Frost Fair

This delightful event is set to transform our charming town into a Victorian wonderland, complete with festive fun, scrumptious treats, and enough entertainment to keep even the most restless of Victorian children (and adults!) smiling all day long.

Date: Saturday 14th December 2024
Time:  10am until 19:01 (aka 7.01pm) See what we did there? The Victorian era officially ended in 1901—we’re honouring history down to the very last minute!
Location: This is a whole town event! Bideford Town Centre shops and cafes are getting in the Christmas Spirit, including Mill Street, Cooper Street, The High Street, Butchers Row & The Pannier Market

FREE Parking all-day (All car parks in Bideford)

Make sure you explore Bideford's famously independent shops and eateries following the Bideford Christmas Candlelight Trail and be in with a chance to win a hamper worth £100!

A day Christmas shopping in Bideford not to be missed! Here's whats scheduled so far, check back to see more details soon

Workshops & Demo's: Spaces are limited so be sure to book when booking is required

• Frosted Christmas Decorations Workshop at Stained Glass Work Shop,West Side Warehouse. Booking in Advance required
• Christmas Herbal Workshop at Sage Apothecary, Butchers Row. Booking in Advance required
• Christmas Wreathmaking at The Burton, Kingsley Road. Booking in Advance required
• Create Your Own Festive Soap at Mother Clucking Farm, Butchers Row. This is drop in- just turn up
• Drop-in Needle-Felted Mini Wreath Making at Magpie & Hook, Mill Street. This is drop in- just turn up
• Shop Your Shape Stylist Sessions at The White Room, Mill Street. Booking in Advance required
• Drop-in Decorate your own Chocolate Lolly at Fancy something sweet, Mill Street
• Candle Making Demo at The Lighting Tree XoX, Cooper Street
• Drop-in Gingerbread Decorating at Tarka Cafe, Mill Street
• Drop-in Festive Bookmark making for the children at Art Upstairs

Late Night Shopping until 7pm - Festive Treats & Give-Aways Throughout the Day

Step into a delightful Victorian Christmas wonderland as you explore the shops. Marvel at the Penny Farthing rider, stilt walkers, and traditional organ. You can even enjoy a horse and carriage ride, ride the SSFresh Spring Steam engine or meet a real donkey and that's just in Mill Street! 

Plus ...

• Enjoy festive discounts, and free fizz and complimentary massages at The White Room Mill Street
• Take a look at Studio Klay showcased at Cool Beans Cafe Mill Street 
• Pick up a Free Santa Key at Cobblers and Keys
• Complimentary gift wrapping and festive goody bags at London House Studio and Gallery Market Place
• Enjoy festive discounts and complimentary mulled wine at Magpie & Hook Mill Street
• Special offers will be available at Minxy's Butchers Row, Little Bit of Everything Mill Street, and Sunshine & Snow Mill Street
• The Hub Hair Salon are offering complimentary cocktails and canapes with live music from Meryem
• Dive into a Lucky Dip in-store at Amy Eira Jewellery
• Delicious food bits and free coffee along with children's themed colouring activities available at Walter Henry's Bookshop on the high street
• Pick up festive free samples and giveaways from Nature's Nutrition on Mill Street
• Experience some festive special climbing offers and treats in The Pocket on the high street and enter their Giveaway, check facebook for details. 
• Enter The #ChristmasGiveaway at The lighting Tree XoX on Cooper Street, check their Instagram for more details
• Chocolate Sweets available at Shore Drift on Mill Street
• Join in Christingle Making in front of the Baptist Church Mill Street
• Bideford Library is holding a Victorian inspired Grand Book and Craft Sale and St Marys Church have a Christmas Craft Fair on too!

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Artisan Food & Drink Fest at the Pannier Market

• Explore The Pannier Market's impressive lineup of local culinary vendors and artisans.
• Live music & Performances featuring Bideford's Got Talent winners Ellie and Lucy, the soulful Frankie Wright, Joe Hutchings, Kev Green, Dogleg, Greater Good, The Wyrd and Sarah Ann Westcott School of Dance 
• Signing of the Lease Celebration with free mince pies and Bideford Town Band 
• Santa's Grotto & craft tables, write a letter to Santa, make reindeer food, create Christmas slime, sparkle with face painting and glitter tattoos!
   

and ...

• We are lucky enough to have two excellent studios in Bideford supporting this event - Ginga's Glassworkshop on Torridge Hill is opening late for the event, and Rosie & Red Art and Leather in East-the-Water have a rare open day and exhibition.
• When the event is over, you're all shopped out!  Treat yourself to a feel-good movie in the evening at Bideford Cinema 

This event is organised by the town traders Funded by UK Government, supported by Bideford Regeneration Board, Torridge District Council and Bideford Town Council.