Out and about

Mill Road Winter Fair, everywhere on Mill Road, Saturday 1st December 2007

It's been said a bazillion times before, but we don't mind making it a bazillion and one. Mill Road is diverse and proud. Whether it's Indian cuisine, Chinese artifacts or Caribbean threads you're after, it pretty much has it all.

That's why the Mill Road Winter Fair is so popular - 15,000 people think it's the bees knees. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised if you can't get your hands on a pair of specially imported bees knees from one of the many stalls or shops that will line the street on 1st December.

Special guests

The grand opening at Ditchburn Place at 10.30am will see The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Jenny Bailey, get the ball rolling with a little help from a certain Mr Claus.

This year's performance highlights start at 2pm, with a seasonal slant on the story of George and the Dragon by Snail Tails at the Romsey Mill, then Chinese Dragon dancing at 2.30pm at Donkey Common (by Parkside Swimming Pool) and the Arco Iris Samba Band at Argyle Street Co-Operative at 2.30pm and Donkey Common at 4pm.

Try something different

However, for those with a taste for the exotic, or are willing to get their teeth into something a little bit different, there is the food fair on the Avenue of Limes leading to Mill Road Cemetery.

There'll be treats, cakes, oysters, juices, petit fours, edible ornamentals, Caribbean foods and Christmas cake as well as everyone's favourite misleadingly named product - Wobbly Bottom Goat's Cheese.

With an array of nationalities and cultures hidden in the shops and restaurants along Mill Road, the Winter Fair sees even more tasty tidbits spilling out onto the street. There is no better way of taking it all in than strolling from Parker's Piece all the way beyond the railway bridge.

The world's your oyster!

Window shoppers

And while you do it, take a gander at the fancy shop windows, as each business battles it out to win the shop window competition. Most shops on the day will be featuring special offers or discounts, or even just freebies to entice you and your shopping habits.

The performances continue at Ditchburn Place from 11.30am with Coton Morris Dancers and Ely & Littleport Ladies Riot dance side, Lifecraft Singers, Singout and Singaway Singers, Women of Note and John Rees while Books for Amnesty hosts authors Jill Paton Walsh, Michelle Spring and Rebecca Stott.

Plus there's a host of kid's games, competitions and events throughout the day and the length and breadth of the street. Oh, and don't forget that Santa Claus will be patrolling the road to see who's being naughty or nice.