Arundel by Candlelight & Christmas Market Preview 2017

I don't know about you but I always look forward to visiting a Christmas Market each festive season! They never fail to get me in the Christmas spirit as it just feels such magical a magical experience. From the carol singers, decorations, hot mulled drinks, homemade gifts on offer and not forgetting the tree lighting!

Arundel Christmas Market has been a favourite of mine - which they call Arundel by Candlelight. The name alone sounds exciting I think! I was unable to go last year unfortunately as I was unwell but I did manage to visit the one in 2015 and you can see my blog post from it HERE. It was a lot of fun and I picked up some really unique gifts there.

I'm so excited to go to the one this year and get my festive season off to a good start! I thought today I would share with you what to expect from 2017's event (note the pictures I've included are from the 2015 market but it gives you an idea!).

For more details visit their website here as well as this page here.

"The historic town of Arundel in West Sussex, with its famous castle and cathedral, provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy this Christmas event. The Arundel by Candlelight Christmas market rivals many of those found in our larger cities for the quality and huge range of hand-picked stall-holders, and the array of seasonal treats from roasted chestnuts and mulled wine to hog roasts and much, much more. With a refreshing absence of chain stores, Arundel is also celebrated for its modern independent shops, contemporary art galleries, and great restaurants, pubs and cafes. This year sees the return of the town’s magical lantern parade, with large paper lanterns, plus festive entertainment featuring traditional carols, Father Christmas, roaming musicians and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. New for this year will be a selection of vintage amusements and rides, reminiscent of the traditional fairgrounds of yesteryear. Christmas trees light-up the shops, restaurants and pubs, plus many private houses, creating a beautiful festive scene, while in the town square a traditional tall Christmas tree (donated by the Duke of Norfolk’s estate) shines brightly against the evening sky. So why not enjoy Christmas in Arundel this December: this historic town is rapidly becoming the Christmas destination for the festive season!"

Information taken from the Arundel by Candlelight website.

For event updates be sure to follow them on their facebook page, instagram & twitter!

ARUNDEL BY CANDLELIGHT PROGRAMME
Saturday 2nd December – 12 noon to 7pm

Please note that timings are approximate and may be subject to change on the day.

ARUNDEL MUSEUM , MILL ROAD

12.30 – 7pm Father Xmas

Face painting

12- 30 – 4pm Chichester Young Farmer Live Nativity

Roaming Entertainment

Choristers from Arundel Cathedral will be performing throughout the day inside venues around the whole town.

HIGH STREET

12 .00 - Opening Procession led by the 3 Churches (Arundel Baptist Church, the Parish & Priory Church of St. Nicholas and Arundel Cathedral), school Choirs (St Philips and Arundel Church of England) Arun Choral Society, Choristers from Arundel Cathedral Police Cadets and Chichester Young farmers and animals.

We welcome the community to join the procession. Gather at the top of the High Street to be part of the opening procession (all children must be accompanied by and adult, no buggies or dogs)

12.10 - Carol Service led by the 3 Churches (Arundel Baptist Church, the Parish & Priory Church of St. Nicholas and Arundel Cathedral)

12.40 – Joint School choirs from St. Phillips and Arundel Church of England primary school.

1.10 - Choristers from Arundel Cathedral

1.40 - Arun Chorale Society

2.10 - Piped music

2.30 – Chichester City Band

3.15 – Piped music

3.45 - Chichester City Band

4.15 - Piped music

4.35 - Annabel Mather – soloist

4.50 – Presentation of prizes for the Lantern making and Christmas card competions.

5.00 - Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony by Her Grace the Duchess of Norfolk