Long before any of us are counting how many sleeps remain before Christmas, the Wynterfest team are busy getting music, stalls and fun together, so you can explore, shop and join in all the excitement of the season in our town.

For a lot of us, of course, the highlight of the festival is the arrival of Santa.

Where does he come from? Where is he going? How does he get to Wymondham?

We haven't been able to track down his exact route from the North Pole, but we do know that the Wymondham Lions look after him the whole time he's here. Starting at Town Green in an actual red sleigh, they go (the wrong way! But he's used to flying, not driving!) up Market Street, with thousands of families cheering him on.

Santa's Wymondham home is in a grotto at Money Properties, which Mick and the team generously turn into a wonderland every year. The Lions and their families make sure he has gifts to share with the children, and keep everyone safe and happy.

For both groups this is a mission that goes beyond Christmas. Both the Lions and Money Properties have been part of Wynterfest for as long as anyone can remember. Mick Money is well known for his community contribution, particularly in supporting Star Throwers.

And the Lions are a quieter but continuous presence around Wymondham. They have been part of bringing Wynterfest to us for years, and stepped up their participation in 2021. When they aren't spreading Christmas cheer, they raise funds for the food bank, provide the child safety service at the Norfolk Show, and privately help families in need. They even help to keep the flowers watered in town!

This year the Lions are partnering with Together for Wymondham to make sure the festival continues to bring fun for us all - and to make sure that Santa brings lots of Christmas cheer as well!

What you need to know:

The light switch-on will happen ten days before the event, on Thursday 26 November, at 4:00

Wynterfest will be held on Sunday 6 December from 11:00-4:30

Santa arrives in town at 11:30

His grotto will be open for visitors from 12:00-4:00

Together for Wymondham is a not-for-profit organisation. It is a trading name to represent the businesses, charities, and Wymondham Town Council, who are working together to improve Wymondham for visitors, residents and traders.

For more information email togetherforwymondham@gmail.com.