Snow lion and polar bear to star at Christmas lights event

A magical pair of larger-than-life festive characters are coming to Bury St Edmunds for the town’s annual Christmas Lights Event on Thursday, November 20.

After the hugely popular Snow Lion wowed visitors of all ages at last year’s event it’s returning this year and bringing a friendly Polar Bear along too.

The traditional free admission event, packed full of entertainment and fun activities, will be the first chance to see the fabulous illuminations as well as a chance to meet Santa and other favourite seasonal characters. 

And, as it is also St Edmund’s Day, there’ll be a special wolf-themed free children’s workshop from the Crafty Foxes. 

There will also be a chance to have a photo with St Edmund and his wolf to highlight the story of the town’s namesake saint.

The Christmas Lights event in the town is organised by Our Bury St Edmunds BID. 

Chief executive Mark Cordell said: “It’s wonderful that we are celebrating the start of the festive season and St Edmund’s Day at the same time. 

“The stunning Snow Lion with the Red Queen and the magical Polar Bear are going to be the stars of the show for many, but we’ll also have St Edmund as well as a number of other characters and entertainers.

“Bury St Edmunds Round Table have made sure Santa and his sleigh and elves aren’t needed at the North Pole that day too. 

“For many this really is the start of their Christmas, seeing the lights as dusk falls, enjoying the entertainment, shopping at our eclectic mix of stalls and popping into one of our food and drink businesses for a festive treat.”  

The Cornhill and Buttermarket will be full of stalls, featuring crafts and gifts as well as those supporting charities and local good causes. 

There’ll be plenty of opportunities for Christmas shopping as well as a range of fairground rides including a big wheel and a helter-skelter.

The Snow Queen, Ice Princess and their Snowman friend will also be among the crowd to meet fans of all ages. 

Throughout the afternoon and evening the stage entertainment will include performances from local groups, choirs, schools and colleges. 

All the lights in the displays use the most energy-efficient LED bulbs and the time they remain on is carefully managed to conserve energy.

The Our Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights Event runs from 3pm to 8pm. It’s supported by Bury St Edmunds Town Council and ShopSafe. 

More information is available at www.ourburystedmunds.com and on social media @ourburysteds.