The festive season is taking shape in the centre of town, bringing a welcome chance to shop locally, enjoy seasonal entertainment, and gather together. Following a highly popular debut last year, the Christmas Fayre is returning to the town centre this November. For local people, this means a dedicated, affordable weekend to buy gifts directly from independent makers, enjoy live music, and keep the children entertained, all right on our doorstep.
Taking place across Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026, the event will fill Ipswich Town Hall, the Corn Exchange, and the Cornhill with seasonal cheer. The Fayre gives residents a brilliant opportunity to tick off their shopping lists while directly supporting local traders and community businesses. The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Pat Bruce-Browne, will officially open the weekend’s celebrations, setting the tone for two days of festive fun.
Visitors will be able to browse more than 60 different stalls packed with handcrafted gifts, stocking-fillers, decorations, and seasonal food and drink. As you walk between the stalls, the atmosphere will be lifted by live performances from local choirs, schools, and community groups singing throughout the weekend. To add to the traditional feel, real Christmas trees supplied by local sponsor Kiln Farm Nursery will decorate the spaces, creating a proper winter atmosphere indoors.
Family activities and festive entertainment
There is plenty planned to keep younger visitors busy while parents browse the stalls. Families can follow a free festive trail that winds its way through the Town Hall and The Corn Exchange. Meanwhile, film fans can settle down for special festive screenings just around the corner at King Street Cinema.
Football fans have not been left out of the celebrations, either. Supporters of Ipswich Town Football Club will find dedicated activities and displays over the weekend, including a special showcase of classic Blues shirts from previous decades.
For many children, the highlight will undoubtedly be a visit to Santa’s Grotto. The Town Hall is setting up its very own Lapland area, offering a beautifully decorated space where children of all ages can enjoy a magical meet-and-greet with Father Christmas himself.
Building on last year’s success
The return of the Fayre follows a strong response to its first run last year, which brought over 3,000 visitors into the town centre across the two days. Councillor Jane Riley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, noted that the event was
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