Early Early Christmas Fair 2023 arrives in Tidworth
The annual shopping event's returned, supporting ABF The Soldiers' Charity
A staple event in Tidworth's calendar returns today (Tuesday 26th September) - with visitors starting their festive shopping with a conscience.
The Early Early Christmas Fair is back at Tedworth House, where 10% of all the purchases made goes to ABF The Soldiers' Charity.
Last year, it brought over £40,000 in to support serving and former Army personnel.
Fair Organiser Caroline Cary says it's a team effort to put on:
"The volunteers that have come out to support us this year are fantastic. Everybody who gets involved loves the camaraderie of it, there's a lot of hands-on stuff to do before the event. Our theme this year is about the community, and this really is a community event, and I love that!"
More than 150 stalls have set up in the marquee on the Tidworth Polo Ground.
The Fair's open today from 2.00pm until 9.30pm, and again tomorrow (Wednesday 27th September) from 9.30am to 4.00pm.
As well as the shopping, there's also a pop-up café, book signings and a curry supper to help bring in the funds.
Caroline Cary says the support of stallholders is vital:
"They get full so quickly, we could fill them three or four times over! We've got some lovely loyal stallholders, as well as some exciting new ones. People are very aware of how people like to shop too, so there's a little bit more of a vintage feel. It's really exciting and people treat it like a day out, they love it!"
The EEC Fair is made possible thanks to sponsorship from General Dynamics, Aspire Defence, KBR, Aeroglow International, Warminster School, and Claire Calder Consultancy.
Their support means more of the money raised at the event can go to charity.