IT S carnival time for Royston as preparations get under way for the Royston Christmas Carnival. Following on from last year s success the town opens up for a fun-packed day of festive activities, with the main attractions being the Christmas Farmers Ma

IT'S carnival time for Royston as preparations get under way for the Royston Christmas Carnival.

Following on from last year's success the town opens up for a fun-packed day of festive activities, with the main attractions being the Christmas Farmers' Market and the Gift Fair, on Sunday.

The farmers' market will take place on the main market square, Market Hill, and will be offering a wide variety of stalls and goods.

Market organiser Jackie Monk said: "Expect a bumper number of stalls, all suitably festive, with lots of Christmas extras for those looking for a special gift.

"We will be making Christmas hampers and taking orders of meat and poultry, including turkeys and geese for collection and delivery.

"We will be pulling out all the stops for our customers."

Across the road from the market, shoppers will also be able to find beautiful wreaths, trees, and other Christmas goodies in the Corn Exchange.

There will also be a large gift fair just behind the market place in The Old Bull Inn, offering the very best of locally- produced gifts.

The craft fair will be held in two rooms, the Oak Room and the Ballroom, and will feature a wide variety of gift ideas. With 20 stalls to be explored, gifts on offer include artwork, hand-made glass, Christmas decorations, silks, silverware, toys, chocolates, and handmade cards.

There are also a number of new ideas that include gifts for the home, Christmas planting decorations, and French bed covers.

Gift fair organiser Jan Lipton said: "Each year the gift fair gets bigger.

"It used to be called the craft fair, but because of its growth, we've changed the name.

"We've tried to get a good mix of gifts on offer and there really is something for everyone, including a number of treats for children.

"This is a very popular event that appeals to so many people.

"I think that the home-made chocolates will definitely be a favourite, and we also have some fantastic artwork. There really are some lovely pieces and super paintings that have all been done by local artists."

There are also a number of fun activities to entertain the hundreds of children that will visit the town.

A mini funfair will be set up at the end of Angel Pavement, and Father Christmas himself will be in his present- packed gazebo in the garden of the Toy Shop in the High Street.

A variety of charity stalls will also be found along Angel Pavement, offering competitions, raffles, and inexpensive presents.

Hot food of all types will be available throughout the day from at least 10 food outlets, including pubs, cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

There will be 443 parking spaces, including disabled, available in the long stay car parks at the civic centre, the Warren, and Somerfield.

Parking, as usual on a Sunday in Royston, will be free.