The Ware Dickensian Evening, the town's annual festive street party, takes place on Friday 4th December, with the attraction that the High Street, Baldock Street and Amwell End being closed to traffic.

The main celebrations will begin at 7pm when the Mayor, Councillor Katy Little, turns on the lights on the mighty horse-chestnut in Tudor Square to the accompaniment of carols led by the children from the Hertford Theatretrain.

Roads will begin to be closed offically by an order made by East Herts Council in collaboration with Hertfordshire Highways and the Police. Road closures will begin at 6.00pm through to 10.00pm.

Over thirty charities and clubs have booked stalls in Tudor Square and the High Street with the added attraction of Classic cars on show in Baldock Street.

Bands playing in the town will be Bill Freeman’s Jazz Band from Hoddesdon who take their usual pitch outside the Vine.

The ever popular Toque Tambor Samba Band from Hitchin begin their energetic procession up the High Street at 8.00pm and again at 9.00pm.

Leaside Church will host the spectacular Christmas Tree Festival with trees decorated by children from all the schools in Ware.

There will be a traditional barrel organ outside Tesco’s in West Street while the Hertfordshire Holly ladies morris dancers will be performing in Rankin Square.

There will be craft markets in Place House in Bluecoat Yard and the Drill Hall, Amwell End, and the Hertfordshire WI will be hosting a Christmas market of produce and food in the Priory.

St. Mary’s Church will be serving refreshments as well as having produce stalls.

Two competitions will also take place during the evening. People dressing in Dickensian clothes – or even just the odd Victorian top hat or bonnet – can compete for prizes: and this year the judges will go round with digital cameras to make sure everyone gets an equal chance at the prizes.

Most shops will have entered the window-dressing, and will be judged by the design students from Hertford Regional College. As part of their certificate course, students from the college have also designed posters and the Dickensian Evening programme.

Road Closures
Amwell End will be closed from 6.00 pm to give stallholders and also a funfair the time to set up. The other roads to be closed from 6.30 – 10.00 pm will be High Street, Baldock Street, Church Street, East Street and West Street.

 Traffic will be diverted up Kingsway and towards New Road. There will be no access to the Bourne from Wadesmill Road. In the opposite direction, traffic will be diverted up New Road and into Collett Road, exiting through the Bourne.

This is a once in a year event and the Ware Town Partnership would like to apologise in advance to any residents who are affected by the increased traffic.

The Ware Town Partnership are looking for volunteers to help steward the event. Contact the TCP if you would like more information about volunteering.

The Ware Dickensian Evening is supported by Ware Town Centre Partnership and Ware Town Council.

For more information the Dickensian Evening or if you would like to offer help, please contact: David Perman, Dickensian organiser, c/o The Priory, Ware or email tcp@wareonline.co.uk