FAMILIES will have the chance to kick start the Christmas festivities at National Trust house Kingston Lacy in Dorset at their annual Stir-Up Sunday event on November 20.

Traditionally, Stir-Up Sunday is the day Christmas puddings were made, a month before Christmas so the flavours have plenty of time to mature.

Stir-Up Sunday sparks the start of the Christmas festivities at Kingston Lacy which will include traditional food and drink tastings, craft activities for the whole family, an illuminated Christmas walk and, for the first time, opening up part of the state room floor with a 14ft Christmas tree in the saloon.

On the day of the stir-up, the volunteer team at Kingston Lacy will show families the ingredients that are used to make Christmas puddings, as well as telling them some of the traditions behind the pudding.

Families can then join in stirring the pudding mix whilst making a wish, before taking some of the mix home in their very own mini pudding container to cook at home.

“Christmas is one of the most exciting time of year, and one of the busiest,” said Katherine Bundy, Visitor Experience Officer at Kingston Lacy. “This time of year is full of traditions new and old for the whole family to enjoy. Making the Christmas pudding is a fantastic way to kick start the festivities”.

Stir-Up Sunday at Kingston Lacy, Wimborne is Sunday, 20 November 11am – 3pm and costs £2.50 per pudding made. Normal admission applies, free entry to National Trust members.