Withernsea’s First Dickensian Christmas Is Taking Shape

Organised by deputy mayor Kristina Richardson with the support of Withernsea Town Council, this will be the town’s first Dickensian Christmas celebration of its kind. Expect a Christmas market, live entertainment and immersive performances inspired by A Christmas Carol. Including a special appearance from Scrooge, played by Withernsea writer and performer Jim Blake.

Valley Gardens Becomes the Heart of the Night

The centre of the festivities will be Valley Gardens, which will be reimagined as a series of themed areas. Each one designed to showcase local groups, community activity and performances throughout the evening.

Visitors can look out for areas such as Tidings Corner, featuring library storytime and traditional Christmas crafts with the Friends of St Nicholas Church. And Candlefen, where pop-up characters and performers will appear at set times during the evening, including Lutrek’s Living Statue and Miss Copper Kettle.

Merribank will be the main stage and the biggest performance zone of the night. With scenes from Oliver Twist performed by pupils from Withernsea Primary School, plus a festive singalong and snow finale led by youth band Elevation.

Community Corner at Ellis’s Café

Ellis’s Café on Seaside Road will host “Chimbleby Close”. Where visitors can warm up with crumble and custard, alongside festive cocktails. The café’s courtyard will become Community Corner, welcoming crafts, treats and stalls from local groups and organisations.

Kristina explained that the aim is to bring as many people into the event as possible. Making the evening feel truly owned by the community.

Groups taking part include Withernsea United Girls, Blue Light Weekend, Seaside Arts, Withstock, VIP Studio Victoriana, the Gazette, the Withernsea Pirates, South Holderness Explorers, Shores Homecare and many more.

A Festive Trail of Zones, Lights and Markets

Beyond Valley Gardens, the event spreads into surrounding streets with themed areas designed for families, shoppers and anyone who just wants to soak up the atmosphere.

• Cheerhaven. Lights and arcade games along Memorial Avenue.
• Joyfair. A pop-up artisan market from Little Hummingbird Events, from midday.
• Lightmere. Meet emergency services heroes and mascots, then post letters to Santa at Castle Café in Pier Road.
• Starhaven. A seating area for a breather, and a warm drink.

A Withernsea Twist on A Christmas Carol

One of the standout moments of the evening will be a half-hour centrepiece show. A story of Scrooge with a Withernsea twist. Told through animated storybook scenes set to music recorded by a local string quartet.

The narrative and structure were devised by Kristina Richardson, with production by Andy Medcalf. The music was recorded and produced by Gary Richardson. The performance will also feature Withernsea Ladies’ Choir, who will sing live alongside the film.

The show includes a large screen, Dickensian-costumed choir performances after each scene, and a story that flows through Withernsea’s past, present and future. Using historic images from the Withernsea Riff-Raff collection and artwork created by local primary school children.

Walkabout Entertainment, Stilt Walkers and Nostalgic Sounds

There will be plenty happening between the main show moments too. “Humbug Alley” will feature walkabout and pop-up entertainment from Earthbound Misfits’ Bah-Humbug Stilt Walkers, the Iota Little Giants Parade, and the Ruby Reds and Friends.

In “Wickmere”, visitors can browse local stalls selling food and drink, plus glitter and face painting. While “Gleamgate” adds a nostalgic soundtrack with melodies from James Reid’s mechanical organ.

Withernsea Riff-Raff at Glowstead

“Glowstead” will showcase work from the Withernsea Riff-Raff project by photographer and historian Darrin Stevens and historian Wendy Graves. Including a special photo booth using printed historic street scenes.

Kristina highlighted the historic photo booth as a key feature. Using a double-sided Riff-Raff image showing Queen Street on one side and Seaside Road on the other. Visitors will be able to take family photos in front of the backdrop using Victorian-style props, creating a brilliant blend of local history and festive fun.

Darrin added that the event is a great chance for collaboration across the town. Supporting local businesses and activities, and helping connect people through shared heritage and celebration.

Wendy Graves also noted how meaningful the project feels at this time of year. Bringing people together and carrying old traditions into new ones.

Raffle Prize and Event Details

Visitors can also enter a raffle to win a £250 Propa Butchers Christmas Meat Hamper, delivered on 23 December.

The event is free to attend and runs from 5pm to 7.30pm across Valley Gardens and surrounding areas. Attendees are encouraged to arrive in Victorian-inspired fancy dress.

Building a New Tradition

Kristina hopes this first year will spark a lasting legacy. A Christmas tradition that grows bigger each year, with more groups, more businesses, and possibly even multiple days of celebration in the future.

Local support is already strong, with backing from Withernsea Town Council, Town SMART, Blue Light Weekend, Shores, the Withernsea Mermaids and many community volunteers. Along with generous donations for children, including chocolate coins from residents and businesses across the town.

Save the date. Saturday 6 December. Bring the family, bring your festive spirit, and if you fancy it. Bring a little Victorian flair too.