Christmas Fair to draw record numbers

The seasonal shopping event, which starts today and ends on Sunday, will see more than 300 exhibitors take over Harrogate International Centre.

With stalls including food and drink, crafts, interiors and home-ware, personalised gifts and jewellery, organisers are hoping the four-day event will be a one-stop opportunity for visitors looking to get their Christmas shopping in the bag early this year.

The event has attracted exhibitors from all over the UK, and beyond. Jewellery designer Annette Coleman of Gate Uniques, for example, has come all the way from South Australia to launch her ‘Violet Collection’, of contemporary sterling silver jewellery.

From closer to home, there will be the highest number of Yorkshire-based exhibitors in the three-year history of the Harrogate leg of the fair, which is also held in Glasgow and London. These include Myroo Skincare and handbag company Brown & Berry – both from Harrogate.

Also there will be Knaresborough-based Jamali-Annay, designers of handmade ceramics with personalised messages.

Founders Rachel Broady and Louise Smith said: “We’re delighted to be returning to Harrogate for the Country Living Christmas Fair this November and it’s fantastic news to see an increase in Yorkshire exhibitors on-board.

“Yorkshire is home to some amazing independent retailers and the fair is a great place for us to come together and share our products. Our decorative message hearts were popular last year so we’re looking forward to seeing what tempts customers this Christmas.”

Visitors will also be able to experience live demonstrations in the DFS Lifestyle Theatre and the Cookery Theatre with experts from Rudding Park and Bettys Cookery School, as well as the opportunity to take part in craft workshops to create festive pieces.

l Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair, Nov 27-30
For more information or advance tickets (£10 adults, £7 children; VIP packages available), go to www.countrylivingfair.com/harrogate or call 0844 848 0160.