FESTIVE fun is coming to markets across the district with a series of events organised in Bradford Council-run markets.

A special pop-up farm with all the favourite animals from the nativity will bring the true meaning of Christmas to Bradford’s Oastler Market on Saturday, December 14, from 11am to 3pm.

There will also be face painting and craft activities between 11am and 3pm, children can visit Santa in his grotto for free and receive a gift between 10am and 4pm and members of the Salvation Army will sing Christmas carols between 10am and noon.

Kirkgate Market on Saturday will host Christmas music from the Gawthorpe Brass Band from 11am to 1pm and music from ladies barbershop chorus the Pennine Chimes from 11.30am to 2.30pm.

There will be face painting at the market on Thursday, December 19, from 11am to 3pm.

Keighley Market will also be getting people into the Christmas spirit with a series of activities and events on Saturday and Sunday. Santa and his elves will be in his grotto, there will be face painting and colouring in, a tombola raising money for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and Dementia Friendly Keighley and screenings of Santa’s Workshop video. Also on Saturday, there will be a special Christmas tree decorations creative workshop from 10am – 2pm next to Santa’s Grotto.

Keighley Market traders at pet stall Just 4 Paws have created a Christmas Memory Tree which is located at the main entrance to the market to allow people to remember loved ones who have passed away this year.

People can make a donation to place a memory card next to the tree to help raise money for local charities Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and Dementia Friendly Keighley.

The Christmas Memory Tree has been donated by Bryant Plastics Ltd in loving memory of its founders Barry and Catherine Bryant.

Khansa Tufail, Bradford Council’s Marketing and Promotions Officer for Bradford Markets, said: “We’ve got a great range of Christmas events in our markets to help people celebrate and prepare for the big day.

“These family events and activities are all free and are aimed at encouraging more people to visit our markets and find out about the great products and services they offer.”