Tidworth's Early Early Christmas Fair returning with Platinum Jubilee twist

The event at Tedworth Park's even got the backing of Her Majesty!

EEC Fair Organiser Caroline Cary with Britain's Got Talent winner Colin Thackery at the 2019 event
Author: Faye TryhornPublished 29th Aug 2022

It may well be the August Bank Holiday, but it's never too soon to start thinking about the festive season...

Or at least that's the view of the organiser of Tidworth's famous Early, Early Christmas Fair.

The two day shopping event will return to Tedworth Park on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th September.

Over 120 stallholders will pack into the marquees for the popular Christmas shopping starter.

It also raises money for ABF The Soldiers' Charity - both through entry fees, and with 10% of every item sold being donated to the cause as well.

Last year's Fair brought in £41,000 for the charity.

Organiser Caroline Cary says it's become an important event in the calendar:

"It's about the money, but it's not about the money. I think it's about the community, it's about giving back, the military supports us, it's really important. That's what's giving it the foundations and why it is such a strong event. People travel a very long way to come to it."

More than 120 stalls are expected to be part of the EEC Fair in Tidworth this year

As well as the shopping, there'll also be food and drink, antiques valuations, guest appearances, book signings, live demonstrations and more.

The event's also got a Platinum Jubilee twist this time, marking the Queen's 70 years on the throne.

Caroline Cary explains how they've got some special backing too:

"Her Majesty The Queen is our patron (of ABF) and she very kindly sent us a letter to say, yes we could call it the Platinum Jubilee Early Early Christmas Fair. Hopefully all the stallholders are going to do some sort of celebratory look on the stands, so it all looks amazing!"

If you can't make it along to the Fair in person, there'll also be another virtual event this year.

A week of online shopping's planned via the EEC Fair website in November, which will also support ABF The Soldiers' Charity.

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