National Stone Centre Hosts First-Ever Community Christmas Festival
Santa Claus is coming to the National Stone Centre this December, as the Wirksworth visitor attraction hosts its first-ever Community Christmas Festival.
Taking place on Saturday 18 December, the event is FREE to attend and will feature a variety of festive and geological activities. These include indoor and outdoor Christmas market stalls, Santa’s Grotto and carol singing, as well as a geology trail tour and gem panning. Guests are also invited to attend an open meeting to discuss future plans for the National Stone Centre.
The event has been organised by the Institute of Quarrying (IQ), which announced its new partnership with the National Stone Centre (NSC) earlier this year. The Institute plans to transform the attraction into a world-class visitor experience and an internationally significant centre of excellence for the quarrying and mineral products industry.
James Thorne, IQ, says: “We’re really looking forward to hosting the National Stone Centre’s first-ever Christmas Festival and meeting with the local community. Alongside a variety of festive and geology-related activities, we are inviting guests to our open meeting to discuss our vision for a new, re-energised visitor attraction and welcoming feedback from the public.”
The open meeting will feature an update from the IQ surrounding the latest developments, progress and future plans for the NSC. A festive-themed menu will be supplied by the on-site Blue Lagoon Coffee House & Cafe.
The Community Christmas Festival takes place at the National Stone Centre, near Wirksworth in the Derbyshire Dales, on Saturday 18 December from 09.00 to 15.30. The scheduled activities include:
● 09.00 - 10.00: Community meeting featuring an open table discussion on the progress IQ has made following the recently announced merger with the NSC.
● 10.00 - 12.00: Santa’s Grotto, which is free to attend. Children will also receive a gift-wrapped present.
● 10.00 - 15.30: Christmas market stalls featuring hand-crafted wreaths from Christmas Garlands by Grace, Kagz Bath Bombs; festive Christmas-themed dog treats from F and B Pets, as well as Coast and Co's handmade wax melts, mulled wine and mince pie stand, and festive tombola, plus more.
● 10.00 - 15.30: The Search for Santa’s Reindeer activity will encourage children to look for reindeer sculptures that are hidden around the National Stone Centre site. Once all nine reindeers are located, children will receive a goodie bag.
● 10.00 - 15.30: Gem panning is always popular at the NSC. Enjoy a fun adventurous time and uncover gems, crystals and minerals.
● 11.30: The Ukeswirks, a local Ukulele band, will be performing Christmas songs and carols.
● 11.30 & 13.30: Explore the fascinating NSC site and join one of the two Geology Trail Tour Walks. Along the trail visitors will discover 320-million-year-old fossils, an ancient reef, quarries, the Millennium Wall, lime kilns and lead mines.
Visitors can confirm their attendance in advance, or simply turn up on the day: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-christmas-festival-tickets-215720284177.
For information about the National Stone Centre visit www.nationalstonecentre.org.uk.
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