Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival

November 29th - 30th, 2003

One of Ulverston's main annual events is undoubtedly the Dickensian Christmas festival which takes place during the last full weekend in November.
The towns cobbled streets are full of seasonal atmosphere, packed with locals and visitors dressed in period costume. The special Christmas street market, with over 100 stalls last year, is held over both days, plays host to a wide variety of colourful and seasonal stalls, again featuring a large "Made in Cumbria" food and craft area.

Street entertainment takes place throughout the town and includes brass bands, jazz bands, choirs, youth theatre, stilt walkers, fire eaters, jugglers, street organs and a host of other entertainment throughout the weekend. The towns specialist shops and friendly pubs take a full part in the activities, with everyone dressed in Dickensian costume, to provide traditional fare and good old fashioned hospitality. Father Christmas can be found in his grotto throughout the weekend.

The Grand Procession with the Town Mayor escorting Santa round town is accompanied by a local band, a host of costumed characters, locals, all the children, horses and carts etc. This sets off at 2.30pm on Saturday 29th November and after circling the town the judging of the period costume competition takes place at 3pm at the main County Square stage. The procession then moves off again to the Market Place where Santa will help the mayor switch on all the Christmas lights. Everyone then circles back to the County Square stage for the "Light up a Life" service and the switch on at the County Square tree.

This year there will be Ghost Walks around town organised by Ulverston Heritage Centre each evening,  "The Mistletoe Ball", children's quizzes and competitions, a fairground in the town centre, and the Methodist Church will be hosting an ecumenical service, " Dickensian Songs of Praise", on Sunday afternoon. Further events specific to Sunday include an Antiques Fair at the Coronation Hall with miniature steam train rides and Craft demonstrations.

Free car parking on both days and additional car and coach parking will be available on the edge of town with park and ride facilities. Coach and party organisers can ring in advance and book in through Furness Tourism Partnership (01229 580742)
All general enquiries will be handled by Tourist Information Office at the Coronation Hall (01229 587120) or email.
Administrative enquiries should be addressed the Festival Secretary, Peter Winston (01229 580640) or email to the Town Centre Manager

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