Our 2007 Christmas Fayre at Bury St Edmunds was the most successful so far with over 16,000 people visiting over the three days.

We had over 150 stalls and a large continental market, more entertainment and the traditional 'Gallopers' went down a treat with all age groups.

We had over 500 completed questionnaires returned giving us a valuable insight into what people think and ideas on how to improve and expand - if you have any comments please contact us as we are always glad of feedback.

The dates for the 2008 Fayre are 28th/29th and 30th November. Information packs for traders and group organisers are available in PDF format using the links below.

- Trader information sheet
- Group visitor/coaches information sheet

For further details please contact Sharon Fairweather via post to Tourism Officer, Tourist Information Centre, 6 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 1UZ, email tic@stedsbc.gov.uk or telephone 01284 757093.

Buddy Day 2008 is on Sunday November 30th from 11am to 4 pm. This is a day when people with disabilities, elderly and people that are isolated and do not have the opportunity to go out shopping, can do their Christmas shopping with the help of a Buddy. A Buddy is a volunteer that will be designated to help on a one to one basis. The Bury St Edmunds Volunteer Centre is offering the support by recruiting volunteers, providing transport and offering light refreshments at the centre.

The Third East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) Sponsored Santa Run will take place on Sunday 30th November. Now very much a big part of the Christmas Fayre, the 2km Sponsored Santa Run, sponsored by Knights Lowe Accountants, starts in the beautiful Abbey Gardens and takes the Santas and their little helpers through the town for a fabulous festive fun run!

You can run, jog or even walk the one mile wheelchair and pushchair friendly route. It's not a race and it doesn't matter how long it takes to complete, it's the money raised and the festive spirit that matters. Last year, nearly 300 runners took part, raising almost £15,000 for EACH!

There will beprizes on the day for the best dressed Santa, Mrs Christmas entrant and festively dressed child. There will also be awards after the event for the group, individual and family who raise the most for the charity. The entry fees and sponsorship money raised helps EACH provide respite care and end of life care to local children in their own homes and at three children's hospices in the region - Quidenham, Ipswich and Milton - as well as much needed emotional support to families of life threatened children .

Joe Swash, who plays Micky Millerin Eastenders has taken part in the Santa Run for the last two years. He says “It's been fantastic fun joining in with the EACH Santa Runs. The children’s hospice service at Quidenham provides care for my second cousin Ruby and anything that will help her in any way is more than a pleasure for me to be involved with. The hospices do such amazing work and are a great cause to support. They’re a massive support to my family and knowing there are people out there willing to do things like the Santa Runs to fundraise for EACH is very important to us.”

Entry fees includes an adult Santa Suit or a child's hat, and individual, team and family entries are very welcome. Spectators are welcome too! So if you fancy a fun run with a difference, and want to help local children,register your interest now! Call 01953 715559 or email funding@each.org.uk, leaving your name, address, tel no and email address. As soon as entries open, we'll contact you. You will also be able to enter via the EACH website www.each.org.uk from late Autumn or download an entry from via the Christmas Fayre website

We hope to see you there!