Festive feast at Ramsbottom Christmas markets

A cool Yule is guaranteed with the return of Ramsbottom’s popular Christmas street markets, which start on Sunday 1 December (10.30am to 4pm).

Bridge Street will be brimming with more than 40 stalls selling homemade gifts and award-winning food. The festive spirit continues with a hawks and owls display, carol singing, Santa, and a Vintage Fair in the Civic Hall.

Ramsbottom is full of award-winning retailers and eateries to make your shopping experience one to remember. Recent achievements include the Eagle and Child, which recently won The Observer’s Best Sunday Lunch, Uk award and whose butcher Albert Matthews won Best Food and Drink category in the Made in Bury business awards. Other Made in Bury winners were Hearth of the Ram, who won Best Family Business, and Ramsbottom photographer, Martin Stembridge in the Creative category.

Plus, take part in the Ramsbottom Grand Raffle Hamper to win some amazing prizes donated by local businesses, including Sunday lunch for two, jewellery, breakfast for four, a vintage makeover, afternoon tea for two, gift vouchers, a door wreath, wine, cooking paraphernalia, gifts, a travel voucher, a Father Christmas puppet and much more. You can buy your raffle ticket from participating stores and at the Bridge Street Markets on 1 and 15 December. Tickets are £1 each, and the raffle is drawn on 22 December.

Councillor Jane Lewis, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “This is a great chance to visit Ramsbottom and discover a wealth of Christmas treats, from independent shops to quality festive food and drink. The Christmas markets are a lovely day out for the all the family, and really get you into the mood for a splendid festive period.”

The market is a community event, supported by Ramsbottom Business Group and Bury Council’s town centres team and markets management.

More events in Ramsbottom next month:

• 8 December (9.30am-2.30pm) - Ramsbottom Artisan Market, at the Market Place and Civic Hall

• 15 December (10.30am-4pm) - Christmas Craft and Food Market on Bridge Street. Hawks and owls, Santa, carol singing, and Besses Brass Band.

• 21 and 22 December (10.30am-4pm) – Santa’ s Grotto with Ramsbottom Rotary, St Paul’s Church Gardens, Bridge Street.

For further information go to www.facebook.com/RammyXmasMarket

ENDS

Press release issued: 26 November 2013.