Frequently asked questions

When is the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre?

This years’ Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre takes place from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 29 November 2020.



What are the opening times of the Christmas Fayre?

The Christmas Fayre is open: Thursday 26 November – 12pm to 8pm Friday 27 November – 9am to 8pm Saturday 28 November – 9am to 8pm Sunday 29 November – 10am to 5pm



Where is the Christmas Fayre located?

The Christmas Fayre is set in the historic Georgian town centre of Bury St Edmunds. The Christams Fayre takes place in the following venues: The Abbey Gardens Abbeygate Street and the town centre Angel Hill The Apex The Arc shopping centre The Athenaeum The Cathedral Courtyard The Guildhall Hatter Street, Whiting Street and Langton Place St Edmundsbury Cathedral St John’s Street St Mary’s Church In addition, the provision market will take place in the Buttermarket and Cornhill and the Farmers and Cookware market will take place on Thursday 21 and Sunday 24 November in the Buttermarket. Click here for a map of the Christmas Fayre.



Where can I get a copy of the official programme?

The Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre programme can be found here.



Do I need a ticket?

No, you do not need a ticket. The Christmas Fayre is not a ticketed event and everyone is welcome.



How do I get to the Christmas Fayre?

Click here for information on travelling to the Christmas Fayre.



Is the Christmas Fayre dog-friendly?

Dogs on a lead are allowed at the Christmas Fayre. Please bear in mind that during busy times, some areas can become congested which can cause distress in dogs who are not used to being in large crowds. There are quiet areas at the back of the Abbey Gardens which may be more suitable for dogs. Water stations are available outside the Park Keeper’s Office in the Abbey Gardens. Dogs are not permitted on the Park & Ride coaches, except for assistance dogs.



Where can I park?

Click here for a Christmas Fayre parking map. The Christmas Fayre Park & Ride coaches are fully accessible and the drop off points are close to the fayre. The service will run from Saxham Business Park, just off the A14 - postcode IP28 6RX from Thursday at 11am until 8.30pm, Friday and Saturday from 8.30am to 8.30pm and Sunday from 9am to 5.30pm. The Park & Ride service is cash only. It is £15.00 per car. Park & Walk is available at the following locations: West Suffolk College (IP33 3TT) – Saturday and Sunday only - £4.00 Olding Road (IP33 3YE) – Friday, Saturday and Sunday - £3.00 Addition car parking is available at: St Edmundsbury School (IP33 3BJ) – Saturday and Sunday only - £7.00 Greene King (IP33 3PB) – Saturday and Sunday only - £10.00 (£4.00 after 4pm) Priory School, Shaker’s Lane (IP32 7BH) Saturday and Sunday - £5.00



Is the Christmas Fayre accessible?

We are fully committed to ensuring that, as far as reasonably possible, Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre is accessible to all. Below you will find information to assist your visit. Drop-off points During the Christmas Fayre, there will be a drop-off point at Chequer Square – postcode IP33 1QZ. The Chequer Square car park will not be open during this time, however, the drop-off point will provide a close access to the fayre. Car parking There are disabled parking bays in some of the public car parks in the town including St Andrews, Parkway and the Arc/Cattlemarket car parks. The following link will take you to a map on the Parkopedia website - https://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/info/parking_in_bury_st_edmunds Park & Ride Service The Christmas Fayre Park & Ride coaches are fully accessible and the drop off points are close to the fayre. The service will run from Saxham Business Park, just off the A14 - postcode IP28 6RX from Thursday at 11am until 8.30pm, Friday and Saturday from 8.30am to 8.30pm and Sunday from 9am to 5.30pm. Public toilets Fully accessible toilets are available at the Abbey Gardens, Ram Meadow car park and the Bus Station.



Where are the toilets?

Toilets are located in the following locations: The Abbey Gardens The Apex The Arc shopping centre The Bus Station The Library Moyse’s Hall Museum



Where are parent & baby facilities?

Parent and baby facilities are available in the following locations: The Apex The Library Moyse’s Hall Museum



Where are the nearest cashpoints?

Cashpoints are available throughout the town centre, including at the following locations: Barclays Bank, 20-22 Cornhill Halifax, 58 Cornhill HSBC, 54 Abbeygate Street Lloyds TSB, 9 Buttermarket Lloyds TSB, 28-34 Risbygate Street Marks & Spencer, 23 Buttermarket Nationwide Building Society, 11 Buttermarket Natwest, 7 Cornhill Royal Bank of Scotland, 24-26 Cornhill Antander, 57 Abbeygate Street



Where are the first aid points?

First aid points, provided by St John Ambulance, are available in the Abbey Gardens and the Apex.



Where is a good meeting place?

There is a designated meeting place in Abbey Gardens, close to the Abbey Gate.



Where do I find additional information?

We have put together some Top Tips, including information about travelling with children and choosing the time of your visit. Please click here to view our Top Tips. If you have any questions that we haven’t answered, please get in touch by emailing us at: christmas.fayre@westsuffolk.gov.uk