Christmas Events 2009

[Regeneration, SMBC]

Despite earlier comments I can confirm that Members and officers of Stockport Council continue to be fully committed to the Christmas activities in Marple village centre. This year over £6000 has been spent on providing decorations throughout the Village with a variety of Christmas lights, trees and a crib as well as providing free Saturday Parking in the 4 week run –up to Christmas. The Council continues to be committed to, and plays a lead part in the work of the Marple Village Partnership and works closely with the Marple Business Forum, to develop, manage and promote not only Christmas activities but other activities throughout the year such as The Marple Food and Drink Festival and the Marple Carnival and Locks events, in order to improve the vitality and viability of the village, for the benefit of the local businesses and the wider Marple community. 
 

[PGM]

Re:Christmas Cracker
In reply to previous comments about Marple's Christmas Cracker, I would like to answer the queries you have raised. Marple's Christmas Cracker is a festival consisting of a program of music, dance, drama & Christmas carols in the true spirit of Christmas throughout the district centre of Marple, all created & performed by local groups, churches, society & schools, plus Father Christmas, local bands & additional entertainment. The event is staged & coordinated  by Marple Business Forum. The event is funded by Marple Business Forum, fundraising, local traders & businesses as a thank you to the people of Marple & District for their loyal support. Also additional funding is available from Stockport MBC for their District centres. Due to work involved, organisation & cost the Christmas Cracker is now a biannual event. SMBC were staging a Christmas event this year in Marple, with some involvement from MBF but unfortunately SMBC had to withdraw for various reasons. MBF are now staging DONT MISS MARPLE THIS CHRISTMAS a smaller event on Saturday 12Th December from 10am-3pm consisting of Father Christmas with free gift for all children, window competion & trail, local bands, entertainment, presentations including the 1ST DONT MISS MARPLE LOYALTY CARD DRAW. Churches together are having a 12.30 Carol Service & also a torch light procession at 3.30. Local traders are encouraged to set up stalls outside their shops. There will be a Christmas Cracker next year, and do appreciate some years it may fall on the same day as Winter Wonderland,however due to more people coming into the area both events were very successful last year. MBF are wishing every success to Winter Wonderland on Saturday 5Th December.
Christmas Cracker Coordinator

[admin]

Courtesy of the Review, we now DO have some details:

Winter Wonderland Saturday 5th December
The parade led by Santa and the Snow Queen starts at 1pm.

Marple Christmas "Celebration Day" Saturday 12th December
10am Father Christmas leaves Stationery Supplies with Marple Brass Band, walking along Market Street to his Grotto and handing out sweets.
10.30am - 12noon Father Christmas will be in his Grotto on Market Street, and 1pm - 3pm with street entertainment and FREE face painting.
1.15pm Marple Business Forum will reveal the name of its chosen charity for the next year. The draw will also take place to choose the winner of the new "Loyalty Card" prize.
3pm Carol singing
3.30pm - 4.30pm Lantern procession.

[admin]

As there is not much information about at the moment for either of these events I've entered them to the calendar via this thread. There is nothing on the Marple Bridge Association site about the WW2009 yet, it just says it's in the planning phase. In the past they've sent graphics and details to put on the home page well in advance but sadly not his year  

[Dave]

Well said jcc.  The Marple Bridge event has been going for some years, and it was unfortunate that the Marple Christmas Cracker was staged on the same day last year.   

[jcc]

Marple Bridges Winter Wonderland will be on the 5th December and while it might not compare with the well funded Marple Christmas Cracker - it is however self funding, with no drain on Council resources and generates significant donations for local schools and charities.

[admin]

Pretty certain it's 12 December as we've been invited to have a stall there. I believe it's going to be a bit smaller than previous years as the council are not involved this time. When we have full details we'll publicise it here as usual.

[nbt]

I see from the marple band website that the christmas cracker this year is December 12th - but has there been any official announcement? I seem to recall advertising last year saying "the first saturday in december", which would be unfortunate as we're away and I really enjoyed last year's - far better than Marple Bridge's !