Kentish Express Ashford & District
Biggest-ever market hits town centre
Recycled bottles have been used to create a mini festive masterpiece.
Pupils from schools in Tenterden and Rolvenden were inspired by a visit to Kew Gardens in London and the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Working with the Christmas market organisers, the children have created a sensory installation, titled from Glasswork to Classwork, that can be viewed at St Mildred’s churchyard and is illuminated at night-time.
The project has involved the work of 333 youngsters and used 1,423 plastic bottles.
It’s all part of the celebrations for Tenterden’s biggest-ever Christmas market themed to The Nutcracker ballet, which opens tomorrow (Friday) and features larger-than-life characters from the tale set to Tchaikovsky’s famous score.
The light parade takes place from 4.45pm to 5.15pm, setting off from the junior school in Recreation Ground Road.
At 5pm the parade will stop at Tenterden town hall for the Christmas lights switch-on by mayor Cllr Jean Curteis, followed by the blessing of the town’s Christmas tree by Rev Canon Lindsay Hammond and a service at St Mildred’s Church, beginning at 5.15pm.
Attractions include a snow machine and an appearance from Father Christmas who will be in his St Mildred’s Church grotto over the weekend.
Stalls will stretch the length of the high street, selling crafts, jewellery, pottery, artisan produce, hot food and drink.
Parking for visitors is available at Rother Valley Timber in Tenterden Road for a small charge, from where free weekend shuttles to town will be run by Tenterden Social Hub and the Rolvenden Rocket.
Tenterden Christmas market takes place on Friday (November 22) from 3-9pm; Saturday from 10am-8pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm.
■ The history of Tenterden will be in spotlight again as the town council has announced a second archive exhibition.
Artefacts, photographs and civic regalia will be put on display at the town hall next year over the weekend of May 1-3.
It is hoped that one of the days will be dedicated to memorabilia from the town’s schools.
The announcement follows the success of September’s archive exhibition.