Gift-off! Fairs, gifts & fun   

Round & About

Joy is the fuel that fires up the festive sparkle, and nothing stokes the joy like a thoughtful, handmade gift

“Buying handmade is personal in so many ways,” says Wiltshire upholsterer and lampshade maker Aimée Alice Payton. “You take time to select something perfect from a range of unique gifts which makes your loved ones feel extra special. And the makers feel pride in the fact that you value their artistry.” Find out more & shop at aimeealicepayton.co.uk 

Aimée is also among the stars at the Modern Makers Collective, 10am-4pm on 29th & 30th November in Yattendon, RG18 0UE. Famous for its Christmas trees (and pubs!), the beautiful village is the perfect setting for mindful shopping, coffee, food, and more. Browse gifts from an array of star makers including paper artist Kate Hipkiss & local jewellers Charlotte Berry and Kate Wilkinson; modernmakerscollective.co.uk 

If you thought fudge couldn’t get any more delicious then you haven’t tried the goodies from award-winning family-run Kintbury business Marsdens Fudge. The Willy Wonka-esque fudge gifts, handmade following Alex’s grandmother’s recipes, include chilli, Baileys and even a Ramsbury Gold edition (pictured). Shop for these and more at marsdensfudge.co.uk and also at the Spirit of the Vale Christmas Fair, 10am-7pm on Wednesday, 19th November, in Sparsholt, OX12 9PJ, which supports local charities.  

Milly Broughton created BRAVE Chutney in her kitchen in Manningford Bohune back in 2021 during the pandemic after she was furloughed from her French teaching job. She had always made chutneys, jams and jellies for her family but the penny dropped when she realised there was a gap in the market for great-tasting chutney in gorgeous packaging. Her first product, Hot Pear & Ginger Chutney, was inspired by a recipe handed down from Milly’s mum. Find @bravechutney on Facebook & Instagram Between 14th November & 21st December, Blenheim Palace transforms into a dazzling festive village. Shop for goodies from 50+ local makers, including The Ramsden Weaver. Don’t miss the illuminated trail and openair ice rink; blenheimpalace.com 

Julia’s House Christmas Artisan Market at Braeside Education Centre in Devizes, 11am-4pm on Sunday, 16th November, celebrates local artists and makers.  Entry is free, and visitors can expect a sleighful of delights including wreath-making workshops, children’s Christmas craft, a pop-up café serving delicious homemade treats, mulled wine and lots more. Find more info and book wreath-making at juliashouse.org/market   

Hungerford will light up for Christmas from 4pm on 23rd November, with entertainment and festive cheer. Cheers also to a Christmas wine tasting evening on 20th November thanks to the Naked grape (thenakedgrape.co.uk) and Victorian Hungerford Extravaganza on 12th December with steam engines, horse carriage rides, live music, Santa’s grotto, lantern parade, street food and artisan stalls; hungerfordextravaganza.com. While you’re in Hungerford, Christian Alba’s Traditional Butchers in the High Street offers freerange pork, beef, lamb and chicken, handmade sausages, a deli selection, and a range of glutenfree products. And Cobbs Farm Shop will offer festive menus & tastings from 24th November to 21st December; cobbsfarmshops.co.uk. Also check out the honey and candles at potternehoney.co.uk 

Help Santa find his missing reindeer at Didcot Railway Centre’s 21-acre site, culminating in a visit to meet the big man himself in the grotto (selected dates in December). And you can join Charles Dickens’ great great grandson Gerald for his unique telling of A Christmas Carol on 16th & 17th December. Booking essential; please visit didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk 

The Christmas Carol Concert In Support of Hope and Homes for Children will take place in the beautiful candlelit chapel at Marlborough College at 4pm on Saturday, 13th December, thanks to Haine and Smith Opticians, Indigo Antiques and Berkshire Trout. See Spotlight for more info and visit hopeandhomes.org 

Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury features an illuminated trail from 28th November, and see our article for info about the Christmas lights trail at Stourhead (with a family ticket up for grabs); mychristmastrails.co.uk/events/christmas-at-stourhead