Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney plans Victorian Christmas festival

Homelessness charity Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney is hosting the event on Saturday, December 2. It will include a festive fair with stalls run by craftspeople and businesses from across Norfolk and Suffolk. 

There will also be heritage crafting workshops covering everything from embroidery to wreath making. Families can enjoy a children’s gingerbread trail as well as other activities. 

Cecile Roberts, Emmaus’ chief executive, said the festival would be a great way to kick off the festive season.

Cecile Roberts, Emmaus’ chief executive (Image: Newsquest)READ MORE: Oscar winner to turn on Southwold Christmas lights 2023

She said: “We’ve loved opening up our site and welcoming new visitors to our recent events and we’re looking forward to continuing this in December. 

“There’ll be something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’d like to learn more about our site’s history, kick off the Christmas celebrations with friends and family or start your Christmas shopping.”

Entertainment will include the Hedenham Choir singing Christmas carols, and a jazz band adding to the festive atmosphere. 

The Old Orchard Café will be serving lunches and cakes, and there will also be mince pies and mulled apple juice on offer.

This event is part of a series of heritage events Emmaus are running with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It follows an exhibition and a family Apple Day, which each drew more than 500 people.

The fund is also contributing to the refurbishment of the Grade II listed convent refectory, which should reopen to the public in spring. 

The festival will run from 10am-4pm at Emmaus’s headquarters in Belsey Bridge Road.

It is free to attend, visit www.emmaus.org.uk/norfolk-waveney/join-us-for-a-victorian-christmas to find out more.