St Albans Christmas Cracker kicks off the festive season

The annual street festival took place from noon until darkness fell on Sunday, November 17, with St Peter’s Street closed to traffic to create a buzzing atmosphere.

Among the attractions were live music, fairground rides, Santa’s grotto, street entertainers and around 100 market stalls selling hot food, drinks and seasonal gifts.

Market place was full of food stalls and attendees soaking up the atmosphere. (Image: Stephanie Belton) Attendees enjoyed a range of hot beverages. (Image: Stephanie Belton) And a range of hot food. (Image: Stephanie Belton) Cllr Anthony Rowlands, the council’s lead for events, said: “This was a fantastic occasion to get the festive season underway and I was delighted to see so many people out and about, enjoying themselves.

“The run-up to Christmas is a vital time for many of our local businesses – shops, pubs, restaurants and market traders.

“The Cracker provided a boost to the local economy by attracting so many residents and visitors to the city centre and hopefully they will have been encouraged to come back for more in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day.”

Much of the family-friendly entertainment was free with something to suit people of all ages and abilities.

Festive decorations and installations were illuminated throughout the event and there were guest appearances from some of the stars of this year’s Alban Arena pantomime, Cinderella.

A range of music hit the main stage on St Peters Street. (Image: Stephanie Belton) A Santa's Grotto was open to all. (Image: Stephanie Belton)Actors from the pantomime even joined the event. (Image: Stephanie Belton) The Christmas Cracker was organised by St Albans City and District Council, sponsored by St Albans City Centre BID and part-funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

British Sign Language Interpreters and Sighted Guides were at the activities throughout the day.

Vivien Cannon, manager of St Albans City Centre BID, said: “Christmas is well and truly launched! We welcome you back into our city centre to continue enjoying the festive spirit and to tick off the items on your Christmas shopping list.”

Domino's provided a special Christmas igloo. (Image: Stephanie Belton) Soulfish had the main stage rocking. (Image: Stephanie Belton) The big St Albans Bid Christmas tree lit up the town hall. (Image: Stephanie Belton) Hard-working vendors were providing food and drinks throughout the evening. (Image: Stephanie Belton) Two more festive fixtures are coming up in the city:

Charter Market

Another highlight of the festive season will be the additional December dates for the twice-weekly Charter Market.

The market will take place every Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 9am to 3pm, in the fortnight leading up to Christmas Day as well as the usual Wednesdays and Saturdays.

There will be an extra day’s trading, too, on Tuesday, December 24.

Pantomime

Cinderella starts at the Alban Arena on Thursday, December 12, and runs until Sunday,  January 12.

Its stars include EastEnder Samantha Womack, comics Bob Goulding and Ian Kirkby, and Union J singer George Shelley. Tickets are available to book everyonetheatres.com/theatres/the-alban-arena.