In addition to the Bristol Christmas Market in Broadmead, this festive season the city will also be playing host to a brand new Christmas Village in Castle Park. Back in October, BristolLive reported that the Christmas Village would be going ahead, but later than officially planned.
A question mark over whether the village would happen was initially raised after its planning application was withdrawn suddenlyearlier in the month. The Village will be arriving in Bristol from December 5 until January 3, and will close for just one day during its run – Christmas Day itself.
As a means of ‘complementing the already established Broadmead Christmas Market’, it will share the same management staff and building structures, but will provide new attractions and things to do for families and kids.
In a new announcement, organisers have revealed that such things will include a roller rink, VR sleigh ride, curling, festive food and drinks, and much more. Describing it as a ‘magical destination’, organisers go on to say it will: “Bring visitors and residents to the wonderful Castle Park, helping the regeneration of Castle Park and supporting the community efforts to revive the park”.
The Lord Mayor will be in attendance at 2pm on its opening day to cut the ribbon and officially open the gates to the brand new pop-up village. There will be mulled wine, and plenty of activities to get stuck into on its first day.
The entrance to the village will be located on St Peter’s Square, opposite Union Street. A roller rink, which measures 15 x 20 metres and is called ‘Rollahub’, will be open to the left of the entrance when walking into the village and will play out a number of Christmas songs for those wandering around.
Ther curling rink is also said to be made of recycled materials, with a simulated ice surface that supports eight people at a time. A VR sledge ride will also be available, allowing visitors to take a virtual sleigh ride through winter scenery while wearing VR goggles.
A number of classic funfair rides will be situated in Castle Park, too. These include a waltzer, dodgems and a balloon ride carousel, with all rides being paid for via a token system. Traditional funfair games will also be dotted around the site.
As is tradition with the Bristol Christmas Market, bars and food options will be offering a variety of seasonal favourites and there will also be marshmallow toasting stations around the village. Every evening, the entertainment will include a light show on the walls of St Peter’s Church. Christmas trees and giant baubles will also be on display.