TRADERS are joining forces to make this year’s Barnet Christmas Fayre the best yet.

Members of Barnet Traders Association and The Spires Shopping Centre are hoping a day of festive fun on Sunday, December 5, will help to promote what the high street has to offer.

A Winter Wonderland will be created behind The Spires featuring an ice-rink, go-kart track and fun fair, while live bands and dancers will perform on a music stage set up in the high street.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy free entertainment in various venues throughout the area, including the Barnet Parish Church, The Spires, Bull Theatre and Tudor Hall, in Wood Street.

The Spires centre manager Graham Trotman said: “The fayre was actually started by The Spires, so it’s great we’re getting back involved.”

The Victorian fayre, which originated in the Eighties, will kick start with a peal of bells as the Mayor of Barnet Councillor Anthony Finn arrives in High Street alongside Santa in a pony and trap.

The street will be lined with colourful market stalls and Church House, in Wood Street, is devoting two floors to craft stalls offering Christmas bargains.

James Freeman, owner of Victoria Bakery who will be offering customers a festive mince pie or sausage roll, said: “As a trader in Barnet I think it’s important to support the local activities and I really want the day to be a success.

“The fayre gives us a chance to showcase what Barnet has to offer, which is more than a lot of people realise.”

Philip Webb, owner of Quality Jewellers, in High Street, said: “We are hoping this will be the launchpad for a number of events the association can help out with throughout the year.”

“Valentines Day and Easter would be other great opportunities to promote the high street.”

Any profits made at the fayre will be distributed between five charities: Cherry Lodge Cancer Care, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, Barnet Borough Arts Council, Dare to Dream Performers and the addition of WW2 names to the New Barnet war memorial.

The day will run from 12pm to 5pm and the High Street will be closed to traffic from 9am to 7pm.

For more information, go to www.barnetarts.org.uk or contact the organising committee on 07071 781 745.