A free shuttle bus to a huge Christmas fair on the outskirts of Ipswich will be in running to take visitors to the event later this month. 

Taking place from Friday, November 22, to Sunday, November 24 at Hintlesham Hall, between Hadleigh and Ipswich, organisers say the event will be bigger and better than last year. 

There will be more than 120 shopping stalls, festive food and drinks, live entertainment, a ferris wheel, miniature donkeys and the chance to meet Father Christmas. 

Event organiser, Darren Perry said, “As the ultimate Christmas shopping experience in Suffolk we are always looking at ways to improve visitor experience year on year so we put our heads together and decided adding a convenient and speedy shuttle service was one of the ways we could do this for the 2024 event.

Double-decker bus at Hintlesham HallDouble-decker bus at Hintlesham Hall (Image: Contributed)

“We have partnered with First Bus who have a long-standing reputation within the area and already run a service from the Ipswich Park and Ride site where we shall be taking customers to and from the fair this year.

“Plus, we also have a second pick up point from Hadleigh Bus Station on Magdalen Road in the town centre.

“The free shuttle services will run approximately every 10 minutes, from each location straight to the venue, with double decker and single decker buses. The buses will run 30 minutes prior to opening and 30 minutes after closing each day to ensure everyone gets back safely, with an armful of shopping bags and a bellyful of mulled wine!

“Visitors can select the free shuttle tickets online, when they book their admission tickets.

“The Suffolk County Christmas Fair is a really magical and special event, so we hope people make use of this service and have an enjoyable Christmas shopping experience.”

Stalls will be inside large, heated shopping marquees around the grounds of the hall, and will feature a wide range of hand-crafted products made by talented local artisans, unusual gifts not found on the high street.

Visitors will be able to keep warm with a mulled wine and enjoy entertainment at the Bandstand with a Michael Bublé tribute/swing singer appearing on Friday, vintage vocal harmony group The Harmonettes performing on the Saturday and a three-piece jazz band on the Sunday.

Tickets must be pre-booked via their website.