Guide to UK's 'biggest one-day Christmas market'

A picturesque market town is preparing to host what organisers claim will be the country's biggest one-day Christmas event, with thousands of visitors expected to attend.

The Beverley Festival of Christmas – now in its 29th year – will bring Victorian-themed market stalls, fairground rides, live music and entertainment to the East Yorkshire town.

Highlights are due to include Santa and his reindeer, along with free drop-in festive craft activities.

The 2024 festival was cancelled over weather warnings of heavy rain and severe winds from Storm Darragh.

This year's event is due to take place on Sunday 14 December and will feature more than 120 stalls. It will run from 10:00 to 16:00 GMT.

Local producers will be showcasing their wares in the North Bar's Georgian Quarter, where there will also be an ice sculpture.

Santa and his reindeer will set off in their sleigh from Wednesday Market at 10:00 GMT as part of the parade, spreading Christmas cheer through Butcher Row and Toll Gavel on their way to Saturday Market, where they will stay until 14:30.

Festivities will also be held at Flemingate shopping centre, Beverley Minster, St Mary's Church, The Guildhall, Toll Gavel Church and East Riding Theatre.

Champney Treasure House will host free drop-in craft activities, including an opportunity for visitors to make tree decorations. Beverley Library will prove arts activity packs for youngsters to take home and enjoy over the holidays.

There will be an award for the best-dressed stall, dedicated to the event's founder John Bird, who in 1995 rallied local traders to create a special day of "Christmassy magic" in the town.

The festival is located in the town centre, a short walk from the train and bus stations.

Visitors are being encouraged to travel by public transport, with a number of car parks suspended, though Blue Badge parking will be available in Princes Gardens Car Park, off Champney Road, behind the Treasure House.

A number of roads will be closed, including Saturday Market, North Bar Within, Cross Street, Toll Gavel, Butcher Row, Ladygate, and parts of Lord Roberts Road and Railway Street, among others.

A free park and ride service will run from Beverley Racecourse across the weekend, with buses running every 15-20 minutes between 09:00 and 17:00 GMT.

Free public wi-fi will be available for visitors to access.

A full guide to road closures, parking and public transport can be found on the East Riding of Yorkshire Council website.

Rick Bailey, executive chairman at Thwaites, which owns The Beverley Arms and is sponsoring the event, said he was "thrilled" to bring something "truly magical" to the town.

Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at the council, added: "The Festival of Christmas is the largest one-day Christmas market in the country.

"It provides a huge economic benefit to the town, showcasing some amazing businesses in the markets and on the high street.

"We encourage everyone to attend and take part in the festivities."

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be coveringhere.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices