Ardingly Winter Fair set to offer variety of festive treats

Organisers said the event, to be held on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, will be a shopper’s paradise, with artisan products from local, independent traders.

Those looking for unique gifts can choose from wooden toys, artwork, jewellery, leather and cashmere fashion, natural soap and grooming gift sets, home accessories, Christmas decorations and more.

The Winter Fair is also set to provide festive entertainment and activities, including a giant snow globe which visitors can step inside to capture Christmas-themed family portraits.

There will also be a traditional carousel, meet and greets with the Ice Queen and her elf and the opportunity to visit Santa’s grotto.

Both adult and child visitors are welcome to take part in chocolate-making workshops, in which they can create their own handmade truffles or chocolate decorations.

Iain Nicol, chief executive of the South of England Agricultural Society, said: “We’re very excited to see our Winter Fair go from strength to strength, with hundreds of regional artisan producers getting the chance to showcase their wonderful creations.

“Celebrating and supporting these local businesses in the south of England is very important to us and it provides the perfect opportunity for our visitors to purchase some truly unique gifts, or of course treats for themselves.

“With the added addition of our Christmas entertainment and activities running throughout the weekend, we hope that families come along and enjoy a wonderful festive day out together, all in the knowledge that they are helping the Society as a charity. Without them we couldn’t offer the support we do to so many involved in agriculture and other related land-based industries. From inspiring schoolchildren to learn about the land, to offering travel bursaries for people working in the farming sector, or helping with funding towards agricultural research and projects, every ticket sold really does make a difference.”

The Winter Fair is open from 9am until 5pm on Saturday, November 23, and from 9am until 4pm on Sunday, November 24.

Tickets for the Winter Fair cost £5.85 for adults and £4.95 for seniors/students (inclusive of a ten per cent online discount which ends midnight on November 22). Under-16s go free with a paying adult.

Tickets are available at www.seas.org.uk.