It’s the most wonderful time of the year - and Wisbech is to become a winter wonderland for its annual Christmas Market

Festive preparations are well under way as Wisbech prepares to host its first ever Christmas Market on a weekend.

Previously the fayre – one of Fenland District Council’s Four Seasons events – has been held on a weekday, but in a move designed to attract even bigger crowds, Wisbech is set to become a winter wonderland full of festive frivolity this Sunday.

And in another first for the fayre, the event will feature a skating rink among its many attractions.

Around 100 stalls will be spread across the whole town centre, including the Market Place, Horsefair, High Street and Church Terrace. Almost all of them have already been booked, offering all things festive.

There will be stacks of food and drink, including roasted chestnuts and speciality meats and cheeses, as well as handmade gifts and cards.

Wisbech Castle will host a craft fair and St Peter’s Church will host Fenland District Council’s annual Community Carol Service at 3pm, hosted by FDC’s chairman, Councillor Carol Cox.

The Wisbech Rock Choir will be one of the groups providing musical entertainment, along with Chatteris singer-songwriter Holly Orridge, the Salvation Army Band, the Clarkson Singers and students from the Thomas Clarkson Academy.

Special attractions for children will include various rides, Santa’s sleigh, Elsa and Olaf from Frozen and live reindeer.

Peckover House will be staging a Christmas Celebration and free parking will be available at St Peter’s, Somers Road, Chapel Road and in the Horsefair.

Councillor Peter Murphy, FDC’s Cabinet member responsible for Four Seasons events, said: “Moving the fayre to the Sunday means it’ll be something the whole family can enjoy together and hopefully that will attract even more people than in previous years. All the plans are now in place. Now we just have to keep our fingers crossed that the weather will be kind to us.”