A Christmas market at a cricket club is part of wider plans for it to become a community hub.
Deane and Derby Cricket club is hosting a Christmas market on Saturday, December 17 from 11am until 5pm.
There will be a variety of stalls, a Santa’s grotto with free gifts, rides and a bouncy castle, free arts and crafts activities, and a DJ playing Christmas music.
There will also be free winter food packages provided, as well as hot food and drinks available and a Christmas lights switch on by Bolton Thai boxer Sandy Holt.
The event is organised by volunteers at the cricket club, located on Chelsea Road, and it is supported by the Public Health Community Engagement Team at the council.
Deane and Derby Cricket Club has been providing a great environment for young people and adults to learn and play cricket since the 1960’s.
However, in the last six months the club and its volunteers have been working to open its facilities to the wider community for things other than just cricket.
Working alongside the council, the club has already opened its doors to local women to take part in fitness sessions, and work is underway on a new community garden.
The "Christmas Market and Funday" is led by volunteer Nazeera Atcha with support from community facilitator Joe Rooney.
Mr Rooney said: “The aims of the event are to bring people into the club who might not otherwise use it and bring the community together to provide a little bit of light and magic in what could be a difficult winter for some people.
“Because of the difficulties some people may face over the coming months we would like to use the opportunity to give back to the local community through free food packages and also free gifts for children from Santa.
“The hope is that this event can be the catalyst for the cricket club to be used and seen as a community hub in future.
“Nazeera has aims to use the clubhouse for various activities such as a homework club, a walking group, arts and crafts sessions, coffee mornings and community learning courses.
“This would benefit local people of all ages and from all backgrounds.”
If anyone wishes to host a stall there are still some available from £5 – contact Nazeera Atcha to book on 07989 989860
The event is free to attend, and anyone is welcome, just turn up on the day.
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