Pembroke Castle will be once again hosting its annual Christmas Market which has been a big hit since its launch in 2012. Last year over 9,000 festive visitors enjoyed free admission to what is fast becoming one of the must attend events of the year in Pembrokeshire.
This year the market will offer over 60 stalls selling gifts, toys, local produce, clothing and jewellery. It will open at 10 am on Friday, November 27, and will be open throughout the weekend, ending on Sunday 29th. The highlight of the event will be the big arrival of Santa at 6.30 pm on the Friday evening.
Castle manager Jon Williams explained: “Last year was good, but this year should be even better, we have once again spoken to Santa and he has agreed to arrive in the castle on the Friday evening. He will leave the castle at around 6.45 pm and parade through Pembroke on his sleigh to St. Michaels Square, where he will be handing out free gifts to the children. Santa will then switch on the town lights and Neil Thomas will lead the carol singing. It should be a wonderful way to end the first day of the Christmas Market.”
On Saturday and Sunday, Santa will be in his Pembroke Castle Grotto between 11 am and 4 pm to meet all of the younger visitors, hand out gifts and accept Christmas lists. Visits to Santa will cost only £2 per child.
In addition to Santa and the best products that Pembrokeshire has to offer, the event will feature musical entertainment from local school carol singers and musicians who will be performing in the marquee throughout the weekend.
Jon explained: “This is one event that everyone looks forward to, it is free to visit and it is our big community event for the year which is made possible by the support that we get from Valero and Pembroke Town Council. It is our way of saying thank you to the people of Pembrokeshire for supporting us by visiting the town and castle throughout the year.”
The event will also aim to help this year’s Valero nominated charity SNAP Pembrokeshire raise funds for their amazing facilities in Pennar and Haverfordwest which specialises in supporting and integrating pre-school children with additional needs into community playgroups.
Once again the castle will be illuminated at night to create a magical atmosphere and there is rumoured to be a very good chance of seeing some snow!
The event opening times are: Friday, November 27, 10 am - 8 pm; Saturday, November 28, 10 am - 7 pm; Sunday, November 29, 10 am - 4 pm.
Visitors can register for their free tickets on www.pembrokecastle.co.uk