Just minutes from Bath, the charming market town of Keynsham is gearing up for its eagerly awaited Winter Festival, one of the earliest Christmas celebrations in the region. Scheduled for Saturday, November 29, the festival will animate the high street from noon until 6pm with a lively array of festive market stalls, performances, and free family-friendly activities.
Organised by Keynsham Town Council and endorsed by Bath and North East Somerset Council, the event is expected to attract over 5,000 visitors. This year’s enchanting theme, “Starry Nights and Sparkly Lights,” promises dazzling entertainment including a free Santa’s Grotto, face painting, and live shows across two stages, perfect for families to enjoy together.
Beyond the festival, Keynsham offers a vibrant community spirit with its monthly farmers' markets on November 8 and December 13. Shoppers can expect local delights such as Bath Soft Cheese Company, Chew Valley Distillery, and Somerset Charcuterie along Market Walk, ensuring fresh and high-quality produce even in winter.
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Visitors can also explore the town’s welcoming cafes and pubs. Friendly independent favourites like Crumbs, known for delectable cakes and traybakes, and Deli@Keynsham, famed for its bakery goods and sandwiches, stand alongside popular chains such as Grounded, Mokka, and Loungers.
For food and drink enthusiasts, Keynsham boasts a dozen pubs, from the riverside Lock Keeper to the musical atmosphere of Keynsham Courtyard. The Crown Inn recently reintroduced its Sunday carvery and offers pints of Thatchers Gold at an attractive price of £4.39, providing great value compared to nearby Bristol.
A leisurely 10-minute walk away, the Brassmill pub invites guests to enjoy its warm open fire, historic beams, affordable lunch deals, and a dog-friendly bar area. Beginning at the end of November, it will also host Christmas wreath-making workshops, adding to the town’s festive calendar.
Looking ahead, ambitious plans to rejuvenate Keynsham’s town centre are underway, including proposals to pedestrianize parts of the high street. Councillor Paul Roper highlights that these improvements aim to enhance Keynsham’s charm, boost tourism and trade, and safeguard its heritage—all while supporting future housing and employment growth.
With its rich blend of community spirit, festive cheer, and ongoing regeneration, Keynsham is set to shine brightly this holiday season.