On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 December, from 11.00am until 5.00pm, we will be helping people get into the festive spirit. Our free, drop-in event will see the Standedge site, transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland.
What to expect
Nestled in the stunning Pennine countryside along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, the 18th century, Grade II listed Standedge Warehouse will be hosting a range of Christmassy activities, including a Christmas Market, Food Market, and the chance to meet Father Christmas – where booking in advance is strongly advised as places are limited!
Families can enjoy a cosy, warm magical experience with a Christmas Story and meet Father Christmas in the warehouse Loft Space. The experience also includes receiving a gift, festive craft activities and meeting. Booking is online via our Eventbrite page.
A range of locally crafted products will be on offer in the Christmas Market, from gift cards and stained-glass decorations to winter clothing. Make your way through the Food Market where you can tuck into traditional Yorkshire fayre with a twist, with Yorkshire pudding wraps, hog roasts, handmade pies, German bratwurst sausages and more on offer. Enjoy a festive tipple of Gluhwein, a warming hot chocolate or try one of the locally produced ales from nearby Slaithwaite. The Watersedge Café next to the tunnel will also be open from 11am until 3pm during the weekend.
The sounds of Christmas will be resonating throughout the weekend, with live performances from Hansons String Quartet, plus the waterways and wellbeing charity's team will be joined this year by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Due to vital winter repair works the Standedge Tunnel Boat Trips and shuttle service operated by Huddersfield Canal Society will not be operating. Trips inside the UK's longest, deepest, highest tunnel will be returning in Spring 2023 and visitors can explore displays inside the Visitor Centre and find out more from our team.
Fantastically festive
Luke Clark, guest experience and marketing lead for Standedge Tunnel, says: “Our team of brilliant volunteer elves are helping the team put together the final preparations for our fantastically festive Christmas Fayre. The site will be transformed to help visitors get into the festive spirit.”
He added: “For anyone wishing to meet Father Christmas, we strongly advise you book your place in advance, to avoid disappointment as we have limited availability on the day.”
A marvel of the waterways
Free visitor car parking is available at a large car park next to Marsden train station, just a short 10-minute walk along the towpath from the Standedge site – use the postcode HD7 6DH. Blue badge holders can park onsite at Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre.
The event is just one of many hosted by us, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary as a charity. The waterways and wellbeing charity is also celebrating 21 years since the rebirth of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the grand reopening of Standedge Tunnel, which has been voted one of the ‘ten marvels of the modern waterways' and is a great family day out.
#ActNowForCanals
As part of our 10th anniversary, we're asking people to #ActNowForCanals and help support their local waterways. Every small action can make a huge difference: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/donate
For any queries please call our Standedge team on 01484 242 792.
