Christmas news 24 November 2005

For more informationcalled the Christmas events hotline on 01284 764667.

Buddy Day, Sunday 27 November 11am - 4pm, free parking

A chance forelderly people or those with a disability to enjoy some extra help from a buddy while Christmas shopping. Volunteer Centre, Whiting Street, 01284766126

Charity Night Street Fair, Thursday 1 December 5.30-9pm, free parking

Dozens of stalls and attractions in the Buttermarket and Cornhill. Shops open to 9pm.

Christmas Fayre, Friday 9 and Saturday 10December, 10am - 7pm, Sunday 11 December, 10am - 5pm. The first Christmas Fayre was incredibly successful and this one is going to be even bigger and better! Masses of stalls all over Angel Hill, more inside Athenaeum,the popular French market, a Living Nativity with Father Peter of Barrow and his animals, a range of entertainment and fairground attractions to keep the youngsters amused after some serious shopping.

Park and ride for the Christmas Fayre will operate from West Suffolk College, Out Risbygate, and from Kempson Way, on Moreton Hall, on 10 and 11 December from 10am to 7pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Buses every 15-20 minutes,drop-off point for both park and ride schemes on Honey Hill (near the attractions on Angel Hill), charge £2 a car. West Suffolk College is also offering free parking at the weekends in the run-up to Christmas, apart from 10and 11 December.

Please note that Angel Hill will be closed to traffic from 9.30pm on Thurs 8 December to 9pm on Sun 11 December. Chequer Square car park will also be closed. Other Christmas road closures include:

• Abbeygate Street, during the same times as for the Christmas Fayre, (above) although traffic will still be able to cross the street.
• St John's Street and Brentgovel Street from 10am to 6pm on Saturday 10 December.
• Cornhill, Buttermarket, The Traverse and Skinner Street from 2pm to 11 pm and Abbeygate St (apart from crossing traffic) until 11pm onThursday 1 December (for the Charity Night).

Late night shopping to 9pm - Thursdays until 22 December. Free parking.

Special provisions markets - Sundays from 4 December to 18 December, when many shops will also be open. Free parking

Visit Santa - between 11.30am and 4pm, every Saturday and Sunday in December up to Christmas, and daily Monday 19 to Friday 23, at Moyse's Hall Museum. Visit and quality gift: £3.50