A sure sign that Christmas is on its way is when the special festive markets take over our town centres.

In the Waveney Valley these festive treats are eagerly anticipated and enjoyed by all ages.

In fact, it is not only those of us who live and work in the area that enjoy the Christmas markets in our local towns.

One of the largest Christmas markets is held in Bungay. This year’s event is being held on Sunday, December 7, when Earsham Street is closed to traffic and transformed into a Christmas spectacular with more than 100 stalls.

Stallholders sell a full range of goodies and gifts for the festive season along with Christmas trees and wreaths.

Up to 10,000 visitors are expected on the day and the event has established itself as one of the premier Christmas markets in East Anglia. Organised by Bungay Chamber of Trade, work preparing for the big day has been going on all year.

Highlights include the arrival of Father Christmas at 11am when he will be pleased to greet his young friends in the grotto at the Fisher Theatre.

Car parking is available at the town’s various car parks and parking is free on Outney Common next to the golf club on the A143.

A week later, on Sunday, December 14, the festive fun transfers to Halesworth when the town’s Lions Club hold its Christmas Fair.

Stalls line The Thoroughfare and are also inside the old print works.

A large number of stalls selling a wide range of goods have already booked, but there are still a few places available. Anyone wanting to book a stall inside should contact Dot Harris on 01986 782558 or Carole Draper on 01986 872737 to book one outside.

Raffle tickets will be on sale during the day and in the weeks before the fair with some super prizes on offer. These include a £100 hamper and a voucher for a turkey donated by Allens Butchers of Halesworth.

Also looking forward to the festive season are organisers of the Country Markets.

There are 11 markets in east Suffolk including those at Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth and Southwold and customers are able to place advance orders for Christmas.

The Country Markets will have a stall at the Bungay Christmas Street Market on December 7.

There is no shortage of great festive markets in the Waveney Valley – just go along and pick up a bargain.

For more details of the Country Markets visit www.country-markets.co.uk or call organiser Roye Staines on 01986 781267.