A popular Christmas shopping event near Hexham is returning for four days this November, with more than 70 stalls, live performances, demonstrations and festive food planned at Brocksbushes.
The Brocksbushes Christmas Fayre will take place from November 12 to 15. Free parking will be available at the venue, and tickets and further information are available through the Brocksbushes Christmas Fayre website.
More than 70 independent stalls
The Northumberland event will bring together a wide range of makers, producers and independent businesses. Visitors will be able to browse stalls selling artisan food and drink, gifts, jewellery, ceramics, art and seasonal decorations.
The fayre was first launched in 1998 and this year's event will include both long-standing traders and brand-new independent businesses. Organisers say the programme is intended to offer more than a traditional shopping trip, with visitors able to meet local suppliers and learn more about the people behind the products.
Rose Dickinson from Brocksbushes said: “We really wanted this year's Christmas Fayre to be about more than shopping. We work with so many fantastic local suppliers, producers and businesses throughout the year, and the Fayre is a brilliant opportunity to bring all of that local talent together & showcase it to all our visitors.”
Live music, talks and creative demonstrations
The programme will place particular emphasis on live demonstrations and talks from local suppliers and businesses. Christmas flower demonstrations and gift-wrapping demonstrations are planned on selected days, giving visitors ideas and inspiration for the festive season.
There will also be opportunities to take part in creative workshops and a question-and-answer session with local chef Daniel Nattrass from the Hadrian's Hotel. The event's live music programme will feature Rock Choir, Felling Band, Charlotte Foreman and Prudhoe Community Band.
Ms Dickinson said: “Visitors can come along and discover some amazing independent businesses, but they can also learn something new, Q&A with a local chef (Daniel Nattrass from the Hadrian's Hotel), learn how to wrap a gift creatively and enjoy fantastic live music.”
Festive food and afternoon tea
Food will be part of the four-day event, with seasonal hot dishes available from Brocksbushes Bites and Aupa Street Food. The on-site café will also launch a special festive afternoon tea, including homemade treats with a seasonal twist.
The combination of shopping, food, workshops and performances is designed to make the fayre suitable for a festive family day out. Organisers say supporting local traders, makers and performers remains central to the event.
“Supporting local is incredibly important to us at Brocksbushes and we love being able to give local businesses, makers and performers a platform,” Ms Dickinson said. “We hope people will leave not only with their Christmas shopping bags full, but with plenty of new ideas and inspiration for the festive season too.”