Leafield Christmas Fayre brings festive cheer and village spirit

Craft stalls, mulled wine and a visit from Father Christmas await at Leafield’s Christmas Fayre on 28 November, with proceeds supporting the parish church and Project St Michael.

For proof that Christmas cheer can start small, look no further than Leafield. On Saturday 28 November, St Michael & All Angels will fill with festive fizz for the village’s Christmas Fayre, featuring craft stalls, cakes, plants, pre-loved gifts, toys, a raffle and free mulled wine for visitors.

Father Christmas will make an appearance, too, adding to the seasonal magic. The fayre runs from 11am to 2.30pm, with entry costing £2.50 per person and under-16s admitted free. Money raised will be shared between Leafield Parish Church funds and Project St Michael.

Behind the event is Rebecca Leszczynski, who has lived in Leafield for 13 years and is passionate about the community she has made her home.

“I love living in my little corner of Oxfordshire,” says Rebecca. “Leafield is nestled in the heart of the countryside with rolling views that reach towards the Ridgeway and the hills near Broadway. It is quiet but far from isolated and the village has a warm and bustling community.”

Rebecca has spent 23 years as a teacher but recently stepped back to become a teaching assistant, working part-time at New College School in Oxford. The change has given her more time for family, community life and a few dreams of her own. It also means more attention for her husband, her mother and her two Cavalier spaniels, who, she says, “crave” it.

Dogs are very much part of Rebecca’s local adventures. She recommends walks around Minster Lovell Hall and Wychwood Wild Garden, while Charlbury Garden Centre is a favourite because four-legged friends can join her for a wander, some shopping and a café stop.

The Old Shed near Charlbury also gets a wag of approval for its woodland walk, dog-friendly café and paths that stand up to wetter weather.

Rebecca is part of the Leafield Pop-up Choir, which has performed at weddings and village celebrations, as well as hosting tea-and-cake concerts to raise funds for the group. She also works with the village lay ministry team, helping organise family services and events at St Michael’s, including the summer Arts and Flowers Exhibition and concerts.

November is particularly busy. On Saturday 21 November, the church welcomes folk-rock singer Rob Halligan for his How Did We Get Here? tour, with tickets costing £10 per person on the door. A week later, the Christmas Fayre brings the community together again.

For Rebecca, these events are about much more than fundraising.

“To live in Leafield is to be part of a countryside community that sings, celebrates and cares for one another,” she says.

If Rebecca could make one wish for the world, it would be for more of that Leafield spirit: “more patience, kindness and genuine care”.

The Leafield Christmas Fayre takes place from 11am to 2.30pm on Saturday 28 November 2026 at St Michael & All Angels, Lower End, Leafield, OX29 9QJ. Entry is £2.50 per person, with under-16s free.

To book a stall or find out more, email leafieldfatherchristmas@gmail.com.

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