Bury St Edmunds announces Christmas Grotto attraction

Children visiting Bury St Edmunds town centre in December will be able to meet Father Christmas and his elves when he brings his festive Grotto to Charter Square.

His appearance in the town has been made possible by a team of his helpers from Our Bury St Edmunds, the Town Council and arc shopping centre.

As well as Father Christmas’s log cabin Grotto, arc will also be hosting dodgem cars and a carousel to entertain Christmas shoppers.  It’s hoped the attractions will mean more people visit the town centre in the run up to Christmas, following the town’s very popular Christmas Fayre in late November.

Chief Executive of Our Bury St Edmunds Mark Cordell said:  “We had a real ice-rink in 2015, which brought more people into the town centre than the previous year even though the unseasonably warm weather wasn’t ideal for ice-skating, so we hope an attraction like this will again encourage people to visit.”

Because it is Father Christmas’s busiest time of year admission to his Grotto, which opens on Saturday December 2, will be by ticket only.  Bookings can be made in advance, although a number of limited places will be available to buy on the day.   Tickets can be booked now at www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/thearc.  The dodgems and carousel will be pay on arrival.

Centre Manager at arc Colin Roberts said:  “We are delighted to once again be helping with a fantastic Christmas attraction for Bury St Edmunds and we anticipate the Grotto and the rides being very popular.  We’ve been working closely with providers Great Grottos and Target Animations to ensure top quality entertainment.”

The attractions are also supported by Bury St Edmunds Town Council.  Chairman Andrew Speed added:  “Taking little ones to see Father Christmas is a wonderful experience for parents and grandparents to share the special magic enjoyed only in those early years. By having the Grotto in the town centre it will allow as many as possible to meet Father Christmas making a memorable occasion for all the family.”

The Christmas Grotto will be open between 11am and 5pm every day from December 2 until Christmas Eve.  The dodgems will open at 6pm on Thursday November 30 and will be open until 7.30pm on a Thursday and between 10am and 5pm the rest of the week.  The carousel and dodgems will also be available for private hire on a Monday or Friday evening between

5pm and 8pm. Private hire bookings must be made through the Our Bury St Edmunds office on 01284 766258.