For some, it is the end of a glorious, if not slightly damp, summer, but for the dedicated believers amongst us our minds are already on the most important time of the year, Christmas, peeking its head over the horizon.
Celebrating its 38th anniversary this year, the stalwart of the Cotswolds Christmas festivities, The Christmas Cotswold Fair, held in support of the national charity WellChild, is back – and this year it is bigger and better than ever before.
The 2023 fair, taking place between November 6 to 9, is very excitingly putting down roots at its new home, Evenlode Grounds, nestled in the heart of the Evenlode Valley, between Moreton-in-the-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold.
This year is set to break all records, with over 220 stallholders in attendance, 40 per cent of which are new, selling everything from homeware, to pet accessories and more. In addition to the new venue, the Christmas Cotswold Fair will be full to bursting with an extensive schedule of workshops and demonstrations, book signings, author ‘meet and greets’ and, of course, the luxurious Cotswold Grey VIP Lounge with delectable dishes from The Potted Goose Café.
‘We are so excited to be setting down roots at Evenlode Grounds,’ says Fair organiser Lucy Greaves. ‘The Christmas Cotswold Fair is a staple event in the area, marking the beginning of the festive period, and we cannot wait to be able to expand and grow into our new home, offering so much more than we have ever before.
‘This year’s Fair will be the best it has ever been. Alongside our incredible array of stalls and daily events, we will be celebrating delicious, local food, prepared to perfection on site, from a number of independent and special suppliers. We look forward to welcoming stallholders and visitors in November for the ultimate festive shopping experience.’
National charity WellChild, based in Cheltenham, is very excited to be working withtThe Christmas Cotswold Fair again in 2023.
‘We are delighted to see the Christmas Cotswold Fair continue to grow and develop as one of the most anticipated annual events in the pre-Christmas calendar,’ said Matt James, Chief Executive of the charity.
‘With the number of children and young people living with complex medical needs growing year-on-year, the Fair has become critical in raising the funds needed for WellChild to give these children and families the best chance to thrive at home instead of hospital. This is never more pertinent than at Christmas time. We look forward to an even brighter and festive Christmas Cotswold Fair at Evenlode Grounds this year.’
But, we hear you say, who are the exciting stallholders to look out for at this year’s fair?
CLOTHING
Beulah
Beulah’s story began in 2009 with a trip to Delhi, where founders Natasha and Lavinia embarked on a volunteer trip to India, spending two months working in a rehabilitation centre teaching sewing skills to women rescued from the sex trade.
Compelled to fight modern slavery and inspired by the fine fabrics and beautiful designs of the east, the ethical luxury womenswear brand was born. Incorporating crafts such as hand-weaving and embroidery, the design team creates timeless pieces with distinctive feminine silhouettes.
HOMEWARE
Susie Watson Designs
The enjoyment of art and design every day is at the heart of Susie Watson Designs, creating a warm and inviting home. Each handmade piece is designed to be both beautiful and robust, serving the demands of family life, whilst being a piece of art in itself. Working with talented artisans and craftspeople, Susie Watson Designs is bringing unique and elegant designs to life.
BEAUTY
One Oil
Organic, wild harvested and cruelty free, One Oil is 100% natural skincare. It contains eight botanical oils, creating a universal product with vitamins and antioxidants. It can moisture, cleanse and heal, and has a natural scent which promotes wellbeing and soothes the soul.
Tickets are on sale now!
General early bird tickets are available from September 1 – £16.50
General sale available from October 1 – £20
To subscribe and purchase, visit cotswoldfair.com
