Thousands of people are expected to attend
Inside The Keynsham Courtyard, one of the town centre pubs(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
A lively town within easy reach of Bristol and Bath has confirmed a November comeback for its annual Christmas event. The Winter Festival in Keynsham will be one of the earliest festive dates in the calendar, making a return on Saturday, November 29.
The day-long event will run in and around the high street between 12pm and 6pm, featuring Christmas market stalls, local entertainers and “free family activities bringing the high street to life”, according to Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Organisers at Keynsham Town Council predict that more than 5,000 people will attend the event. This year the theme is Starry Nights and Sparkly Lights, with family-friendly activities including a free Santa’s Grotto, face painting and a programme of performances across two stages.
The town already hosts a farmers’ market on the second Saturday of every month. Dates for winter are scheduled as November 8 and December 13, with Bath Soft Cheese Company, Chew Valley Distillery and Somerset Charcuterie listed by Somerset Farmers Market among the regular traders setting up shop along Market Walk.
Visitors can make a day of it regardless of the weather, as Keynsham is also home to several cosy cafes and pubs. Bristol chains Grounded, Mokka and Loungers all have branches there alongside well-rated independents including Crumbs, known for its cakes, cookies and traybakes, and Deli@Keynsham, serving bakery items, filled sandwiches, sausage rolls and much more on the counter. It also has a small shop filled with food and drink items, ideal for Christmas hampers.
Keynsham High Street(Image: John Wimperis)
CAMRA lists around a dozen pubs in and around the town, from riverside spots like the Lock Keeper to live music destinations like the Keynsham Courtyard. Others include the Crown Inn, which has just brought back its Sunday carvery and is also advertising pints that put Bristol’s pricey pub prices to shame – a pint of Thatchers Gold for £4.39.
One cosy spot recommended for food is the Brassmill, about a 10-minute walk away from the town centre. It has an open fire, ancient beams and an affordable lunch deal, as well as a dog-friendly policy in the bar area. It is also hosting Christmas wreath workshops from the end of November.
This week plans were unveiled to regenerate parts of Keynsham town centre, as part of a major overhaul which could also see pedestrianisation of the high street. Councillor Paul Roper, a cabinet member at Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “Keynsham is already a vibrant market town and the Regeneration Action Plan aims to enhance this further by identifying opportunities for investment and preparing to making these a reality.
“The plan will help shape the town centre as we look to the future housing and employment growth that is on the horizon as part of the Local Plan, creating potential for increased tourism, footfall and trade and protecting heritage assets.”