A HISTORIC Blakeney community centre is hoping a major free Christmas celebration will help breathe new life into the village hall following a decline in use since the Covid pandemic.

Blakeney and District Recreation Centre will stage a Winter Wonderland over the weekend of December 5 and 6, with organisers promising entertainment, attractions, food and activities for families.

The registered charity runs the village hall and surrounding recreation ground, which have served generations of residents.

The recreation ground has roots stretching back almost 80 years, with an Awre parish plan recording that the eight-acre playing field was bought from Sydenham House in 1947 for £870.

Blakeney previously had a village hall in Millend Lane, built in 1927 as a First World War memorial, before the present community centre was constructed on the playing fields during the 1980s.

The centre has traditionally hosted a wide range of activities, including fitness classes, martial arts, football, luncheon and over-60s clubs, bingo, meetings, parties and other community events.

It is also home to Blakeney Football Club and provides the setting for the village's annual duck race.

However, organisers said use of the hall had declined since the pandemic and the charity is now working to revitalise the centre through a programme of events.

The Winter Wonderland will be one of its biggest efforts, featuring Santa's grotto, a vintage carousel and market stalls showcasing produce and crafts from across the Forest of Dean.

Entertainment is set to include a ballerina performance inspired by The Nutcracker, a nativity performed by pupils from a local school, storytelling from a local author and performances from two local brass bands.

Organisers also say a celebrity guest is expected to attend, while Christmas food, drinks and sweet treats will be available throughout the weekend.

A major raffle will give several families the chance to win what organisers describe as a complete Christmas, with prizes expected to include meat hampers, fruit and vegetables, Ninja products, a premium bicycle, television and children's toys.

Money raised will go directly towards maintaining the charity's hall and grounds.

Local businesses have also backed the event through sponsorship, with their contributions helping to pay for decorations and entertainment.

Charity Commission records show the centre reported income of £12,129 and expenditure of £9,152 during 2024.

The charity was formally registered in 1964 and continues to be run by local trustees.

Organisers stressed that the Winter Wonderland itself will be completely free to attend, with free activities available so families can enjoy the weekend regardless of how much they are able to spend.

The festive programme will continue later in December with another event aimed at local children.

A free children's movie night will be held at the hall on December 18, with youngsters also receiving hotdogs, popcorn and a drink.

The event has been made possible through a donation from the Rotary club.

Organisers hope the celebrations will encourage more people through the doors and help restore the centre's place at the heart of Blakeney community life.