Cambridge Christmas Festival brings magic to local charities

5-19 December 2013, Cambridge Town Hall

This year the magic of Christmas comes to Cambridge once again with the Cambridge Christmas Festival, which raises money for Waikato charities.

The theme is A Whimsical Christmas, with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, nativity scenes and seasonal displays to bring excitement to young and old. The Festival features a Christmas shop with handmade decorations and gifts, entertainment with local school and adult choirs performing carols daily, and homemade Christmas treats in the tearoom.

“A trip to the Christmas shop is a must-do for locals and visitors alike,” says Karin Stedall, Cambridge Christmas Festival Secretary. “Many families keep up the tradition of bringing the children to buy their Christmas decorations each year. It’s a great place to pick up a thoughtful, handmade gift for friends, family, colleagues or the kids’ teacher, all while helping local charities.”

Last year the Cambridge Christmas Festival Society Incorporated donated $18,000 to HEARTsafe in Cambridge for two defibrillators, Cambridge Community House for counselling and other projects and The Neonatal Trust (Waikato) for breast pumps to loan to mothers who need them.

The Cambridge Christmas Festival is an opportunity for locals to give their time for a good cause. “A dedicated group of around 35 women meet weekly to craft and sew handmade Christmas decorations and gifts and organise the yearly festival,” says Karin. “During the festival, regular members of the group and volunteers help greet visitors at the door, work in the shop, bake goodies and serve in the tearoom. There is a real sense of community spirit.”

The Cambridge Christmas Festival runs for two weeks from 5-19 December in the Cambridge Town Hall, Victoria Street, Cambridge. Opening hours are 10am – 6pm in the first week, from 5-12 December and 10am – 8.30pm in the second week, from 13 – 19 December. Entry to the Festival is free but a gold coin donation is gratefully accepted.

For more information on the festival and choir timetable visit www.facebook.com/CambridgeChristmasFestival.

ENDS

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