Cirencester 2022 Christmas Markets

Cirencester Town Council has released details of this years’ Festive Markets, including details of Cirencester’s biggest Advent Markets, on Saturday 26th November and Sunday 27th November.

The Advent Market and Light Switch-On event has been expanded this year to include a 2-day street market on the 26th and 27th November with over 200 stalls across the two days, music, live performances, street entertainment, activities, big screen and much more, besides! 

The town centre will be closed to traffic and stalls will extend from Castle Street to the top of Cricklade Street and throughout the length of Market Place, as far as the Fleece Hotel. The market will run from 10am-6pm on Saturday 26th and 10am-4pm on Sunday 27th.

The Town Council has partnered with Keystone Conference & Event Management Ltd to put together a fantastic programme of festive performances inside the Parish Church on the 26th November, featuring local dance and theatre groups, choirs and musicians. This will also be live streamed onto the big screen in the Market Place.

Building on the success of the Health and Wellbeing Week earlier in the year, the Parish Church has kindly allocated space for charities and community organisations to raise funds and offer information and support. 

Hobbycraft will be running free crafting activities and there will be ‘Stories with Lisa’ for the younger visitors. And please keep an eye out for Santa in the Market Place, as he will also make an appearance with his sleigh there.

At approximately 4pm on 26th November, the town’s Christmas lights will be switched on by the lead sponsor, Sewell Mullings Logie, accompanied by the Mayor of Cirencester Councillor Sabrina Dixon, Cannon Graham Morris and Cirencester’s very own ‘Mr. Christmas’, Vernon Harwood,  who'll be comparing the event. Enjoy snowfall, special street entertainers and quiet fireworks, all courtesy of the sponsors, plus special light projections in the Market Place will enhance the festive atmosphere.

Said Councillor Gary Selwyn, who is Lead Member for Community Services: “With lots of exciting things to make it a really memorable occasion for all the family, we hope local people and visitors to Cirencester will embrace the opportunity to support the town’s local businesses and our unique traders. We’re really looking forward to the Christmas celebrations in Cirencester this year and we're excited to be able to deliver such a full programme after a two-year break.”

The special festive programme continues with a special weekend Christmas Market on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December with live music and dedicated street entertainment. 

And don't forget, the following weekends also include a festive Farmers’ Market, General Market and Christmas Gift Markets, and from Tuesday 20th December Christmas Markets will be held daily until Thursday 22nd December. For those last minute supplies, there'll also be a festive Farmers’ Market on Christmas Eve, too! Plus the traditional Charter Markets will be held as normal throughout the month of December.

A spokesman added: "These events couldn't happen without the generous support and sponsorship of local businesses."

Lead sponsor, Sam McEwan said “Sewell Mullings Logie solicitors are delighted to support the Advent Festival again this year,”

The Town Council would also like to thank Watermoor Point, Cain & Fuller, Wenn Townsend, Rangeford Villages and Alison Fielden & Co. for their generous sponsorship, which has enabled the 2022 Christmas events to be enhanced even more than ever. 

A team of fantastic volunteers selflessly give their time to help make the day go smoothly by marshalling crowds, directing and supporting market traders, and answering queries from members of the public. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact markets@cirencester.gov.uk.

Road closures, managed by the AA, will be in place in the town centre from Midnight Friday 25 November to Midnight Sunday 27 November. The event will take place across the Town Centre including the whole of the Market Place, Castle Street and Cricklade Street.

The following roads will be subject to closures with signed diversions in place. There will be access for residents affected but deliveries and contractors must be arranged outside the closure times. 

Dollar Street - access only

Gosditch Street - closed from Loveday Mews

Cricklade Street - closed at Castle Street Junction

Castle Street - closed at Silver Street Junction

Dyer Street - closed at North Way Junction

 Black Jack Street - closed at Park Street Junction

Further information about the event and the road closures can be found on the Town Council’s website https://cirencester.gov.uk/whats-on/2022/11/26/advent-market

Blenheim Palace Christmas Market 2022

This Christmas at Blenheim Palace there will be a fantastic new festive trail and a new exquisitely themed Palace interior, plan.

It's one of the highlights of the UK festive calendar, wander the Palace’s picture-perfect gardens filled with Christmas cheer as well over a million lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. 

Look forward to some wonderful time together with family and friends as you discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. For a moment of reflection, pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, enjoy awe-inspiring larger-than-life illuminations and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way, too.

Their crew of talented independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tempting treats. To make it properly festive, complete your walk under the stars with a spiced winter warmer or hot chocolate shared with someone special.

The Kingdom of the Snow Queen re-imagined within Britain’s Greatest Palace

New for 2022, you'll be able to explore the Palace rooms, each one exquisitely and vibrantly transformed and filled with hidden surprises. You'll discover the glistening Land of Snowflakes filled with a silvery frost-covered forest and venture into the wintery Kingdom of Ice adorned with larger-than-life shimmering crystals. It’s a fairy-tale world where we really want a happy-ever-after. 

Will the ice-cold Snow Queen change her ways? Perhaps the kind reindeer will save the day and help reunite the two young friends. This fantastical winter wonderland is where the magic really begins.

Entry to the Kingdom of the Snow Queen within the Palace is free to Annual Pass holders before 15.45.

The Christmas Market

The Christmas Market is returning, with many designer/maker craft traders who'll be housed in special dedicated festive wooden chalets in the Great Court. Their distinctive range of artisanal products will make perfect treats and gifts for this Christmas.

The Christmas Market will be open at 10.30 every day from now until each day between 18th December 2022, except for 5th December when it will open at 11.30, instead. 

On nights the illuminated trail is taking place, the market will close at 20.30 and on non-illuminated trail nights, the market will close at 17.30.

Christmas Afternoon Tea

Their magical Ice Kingdom Themed Afternoon Tea will run until 2nd January 2023 at the Orangery. Afternoon tea can be added at the end of the Christmas booking process, however, you'll be required to have a valid Christmas at Blenheim Palace ticket to experience the Afternoon Tea.

There is a limited capacity with timed entry. Plan now to secure the date and time of your choice.

If donated, tickets for the Kingdom of the Snow Queen can be converted to an Annual Pass during your Christmas visit or on the next visit (pass will be valid from date of ticket purchase).

Visit the See Tickets FAQs for more information. Read our FAQs.

Separate charges apply to some events. Please check for details. 

https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/christmas.

Hull's Fruit Market will get festive this Christmas

Hull’s Fruit Market is putting on a fantastic programme of  Christmas magic for all the family to enjoy this Christmas.

There's set to be a full line-up of events includes a magical six-day show; a dance workshop; vintage songs; a fire show; a seasonal market; late night shopping and the opportunity to meet Santa himself!

The highlight of the event is “An Enchanted Story with Father Christmas and Friends” a fantastic hour of festive Christmas magic, storytelling and singing, with the chance to send your own Christmas wishes to the North Pole.

Families will experience an hour of Christmas fun with magic, jokes and songs, with Santa himself giving the gift of a book to each child in his special grotto.

The performances will take place over six dates between Saturday 10th December and Wednesday 21st December, at 66-68 Humber Street.

Other events in the Fruit Market’s Festive calendar include a Winter Edition of the popular Good Things Market, with over 40 independent traders selling a variety of handmade homeware, food, plants, art and giftware ideal for  Christmas gifting.

The Fruit Market is also hosting a special “Countdown to Christmas” event on Friday 2nd December.

Taking place from 5.30pm to 8pm, entertainment will include a festive dance workshop with choreographer Holly Gibbs, a fire show performed by Ed Grimoldby, and a rendition from the All For One Choir. So there's definitely something for all the family!

And what's more, Fruit Market retailers will also be open until 8pm on December 2nd for early Christmas shopping.

With so many fun, festive events happening, there’s no better place to get into the spirit of Christmas than Gulls' famed Fruit Market.

Natalia Cleary, Fruit Market Events Co-ordinator, said: “We’re really thrilled to offer such a packed programme of events for families and visitors alike to enjoy at the Fruit Market during this Christmas period.

“We’ve got lots of special guests and performances from incredibly talented local artists and the Humber Street traders are coming together to create a very special atmosphere.

“Make sure that you visit the Fruit Market in the pre-Christmas run-up this year. Bring your family and friends and enjoy some fantastic festive fun.”

“An Enchanted Story” will kick off on Saturday 10th December, with three performances at 1pm, 3pm and 4.30pm.

Performances are then scheduled to happen on Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th, Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st December. Times are 11.30am, 1pm, 3pm and 4.30pm.

Backed by Hull-based regeneration specialist the Wykeland Group, which has led the transformation of the Fruit Market with housebuilder Beal Homes, the six-day show is a special collaboration between Redland Events, which brought the sold-out Santa Claus Experience to the Fruit Market last year and Hull-based freelance artist Anna Bean.

The festive event will feature unique set designs and artwork by the Anna Bean, who is famed for creating immersive theatrical experiences incorporating costumes, props and projected animations.

The highlight of the season is “An Enchanted Story with Father Christmas and Friends” a delightfully festive hour of Christmas magic, storytelling and singing, with the chance to send Christmas wishes to the North Pole

Daniel Sproats of Redland Events said: “We’re reall excited to be working with Anna Bean and the Fruit Market team on An Enchanted Story with Father Christmas and Friends.

“Just like last year, the event offers something more than a just a visit to a grotto. With songs, jokes and magic, it will give families the chance to get in the festive spirit and create memories that will last long after the Christmas period.”

Tickets are available via TicketSource here https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/hull/humber-street-pop-up-space/an-enchanted-story-with-father-christmas-friends/e-ppymoz

The Good Things Market – Winter Edition will be held on Sunday 27th November on Queen Street, from 10.30pm to 4.30pm.

The market is free to enter, and is the perfect place to pick up some handmade, authentic Christmas gifts, treats and decorations.

The “Countdown to Christmas” event on Friday 2nd December will run from 5.30pm to 8pm. Activities include:

Festive Fruit Market Shindig with choreographer Holly Gibbs.

Performance from Kingston Swing.

Rendition from the All For One Choir.

Fire show created and performed by Ed Grimoldby, as seen in “Faustus”.

Live set from vintage songstress Ruth Getz.

Family entertainment.

Father Christmas appearance.

Retailers along Humber Street will be open until 8pm on the day for Christmas shopping.

Ware Christmas Farmers and Craft Market

Sunday 4th December – Christmas Farmers and Craft Market, in Ware, Hertfordshire.

The Christmas market brings you a showcase of local artisans and small Hertfordshire businesses, all together under one roof. Pick up delicious Christmas treats and unique hand made gifts.

However, there are a whole host of other Christmas-related events taking place at the Southern Maltings in Ware, including a make your own Christmas wreath workshop, Lantern Workshop for kids, a Dickensian Comedy Club event, special Christmas events and so much more, besides. For details check out their website.

https://www.southernmaltings.co.uk/markets/

For council events please check out https://waretowncouncil.gov.uk.

Country Living Christmas Fair at the Harrogate Convention Centre

Celebrate a Country Living Christmas and enjoy the perfect festive day out in style at the must-attend Christmas event of the entire season. The Christmas Fair is returning to Harrogate, celebrating its 10th birthday at the Harrogate Convention Centre!

Why not shop for bespoke gifts, or you can even try your own hand at the crafting workshops, be inspired by engaging and knowledgeable guest speakers, enjoy a glass of bubbly in the champagne bar and, this is brand new for 2022, join the fabulous tailored tasting sessions.

Ticking off your Christmas gift list will never be easier. At the Country Living Christmas Fairs you'll be able to discover hundreds of small independent businesses, carefully and lovingly picked by the team to bring you handcrafted products to add that sparkle to your Christmas Day. 

There will be over 100 new faces and brands to shop from, plus you'll be able to meet up with many of your returning firm favourites who'll be eager to welcome you back. Be inspired by stylish decors and pick up some lovely soft furnishings that you won't find on the high street, to transform your home ready for the festive season. 

And you can top off your day by stocking up on delectable delicacies such as gourmet cheese, Christmas puddings, sweet and savoury treats, tasty tipples and some fine wines.

Live on stage they'll bring together some of the country’s finest food and drink producers and culinary experts to whip up their ultimate festive recipes and seasonal showstoppers. 

You’ll experience expert cooking and baking demonstrations with the chance to ask for tips, interact with the experts and even try a taster or two, all for free! You'll leave feeling ready to get creative with your cooking skills this festive season and wow your friends and family.

Why not roll up your sleeves and get creative in one of the many hands-on workshops they offer at the Christmas Fair?

The sessions are hosted by expert crafters who'll carefully lead you through interactive workshops. Why not learn a new skill? Or perhaps you'll be able to brush up on an existing skill, whilst crafting really unique gifts and decorations to take home with you.

Or, if you are feeling especially indulgent, why not join one of their tailored tasting sessions, brand new for 2022. Sample this seasons best mulled gins to get you in the Christmas spirit! Tickets are limited so book quickly. Prices from £12.

Dan Sewell, Country Living Fairs Event Director, said: “With its idyllic charm and close knit community, the town of Harrogate exudes country style. We are proud to bring together the local artisan producers and designer makers that make this place so unique, and it’s clear to see why thousands of visitors come to get inspired, leaving full of ideas and one-of-a-kind gifts to create the perfect festive celebration. This year is no exception, with an extra-celebratory feel given that it’s our 10th year here!”

Paula Lorimer, Director, Harrogate Convention Centre, commented : “Our congratulations to the Country Living Christmas Fair on achieving the 10-year milestone this year. 

"I'm delighted to seal the long-term relationship with the Christmas Fair and to welcome them back to Harrogate for this special occasion, as our beautiful Victorian spa town provides the perfect backdrop for this lovely festive event.”

For more information head to the Country Living Christmas Fair website: https://www.countrylivingfair.com/harrogate/

Ticket prices: https://www.countrylivingfair.com/ticket-prices/

Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall

This year’s Belfast Christmas time market offers an veritable feast of authentic high quality Christmas international cuisine alongside a carefully selected mixture of handcrafted goods and bespoke artisanal products.

Set against the spectacular backdrop of Belfast's iconic City Hall, Belfast Christmas Market, in the heart of the city, is the perfect place for coach parties, day-trippers and city shoppers, offering a unique, exciting festive experience.

If culinary delights are your passion, you'll be able to enjoy a warming mug of hot Glühwein, feast on a delicious hog roast or indulge in some mouth-watering Belgian chocolates, enjoy baklava and crêpes. Or sample specialty cheeses and savour the delicate flavours of meats from all over the continent, all in an atmosphere overflowing with Christmas good cheer.

Got little ones? Take them to visit Santa in his magic grotto whilst supporting local charity Pretty n Pink.

After meeting the big man, why not take a joyous ride on the vintage carousel, or get a bird’s eye view of the market from the top of the exciting helter-skelter?

The market's opening hours are:

Day Times

Saturday 19 November only 12 noon to 10pm (bars remain open until 11pm)

Monday to Wednesday 10am to 8pm (bars remain open until 10pm)

Thursday to Saturday 10am to 10pm (bars remain open until 11pm)

Sunday 12 noon to 6pm

The Christmas Market will close at 6pm on Thursday 22 December. 

Hertford Castle Christmas Market

Get yourself down to Hertford Castle this wintertime as it hosts its second Christmas market within its very spectacular grounds. 

The event will be free of charge to attend and will boast a wide array of Christmas market stalls. Offerings include homeware, crafts, jewellery, and much more besides! 

It's absolutely ideal for those of us who like to shop early and locally for Christmas. 

Also, there will be fairground rides, live entertainment for guests to enjoy, and food and drink stands providing seasonal treats. Come along to experience the magical atmosphere, as you won’t want to miss out. 

Event Information 

Dates and Times

Friday 25th November - 3.30pm - 8pm

Saturday 26th November - 11am - 6pm

Sunday 27th November - 11am - 5pm

Music Line-Up

Saturday 26th:

Sunday 27th: 

12.00 – 12.30: Dan Thomas

13.00 – 13.30: Rock Choir 

14.00 – 14.30: Chris Sims

15.00 – 15.30: Cedar Rose

16.00 – 16.30: George Croucher

17.00 – 17.30: Ukrainian Choir Group

12.00 – 12.30: Tamara Ibrahim 

13.00 – 13.30: Immi Davis 

14.00 – 14.30:  Paul Booth 

15.00 – 15.30: Summer Georgie 

16.00 – 16.30:  Nuala O'Halpin

Location 

Hertford Castle, Castle Street, SG14 1HR 

Although the event is totally free of charge to attend, you are however welcome to make a donation to the Mayor of Hertford’s Charity Appeal Fund. 

The Castle grounds are accessible by foot at any of the following pedestrian gateways, Castle Street, St Andrew Street Car Park, Main Castle Gate off The Wash, through the Moat Garden on Castle Street, or the gate off of Gascoyne Way. 

Parking 

There is no parking at Hertford Castle (including disabled) but there are a number of car parks close to the Castle which are free to use on Sundays. Please click this link for a parking map https://www.hertford.gov.uk/uploads/cms/document/165/hertford-car-parking2019-document.pdf.

Toilets are located to the side of the main lawn on the footpath by the Ashley Webb Shelter. 

Disabled toilets & baby changing facilities are available inside the castle, please speak to a volunteer on the door for access. 

First aid is located on the riverbank by the Ashley Webb shelter.

Have a Very Merry Flitwick Christmas

There are a wide range of events and activities to help celebrate the festive season happening across the town of Flitwick. Bedfordshire, this Christmas session.

There is something for everyone to get involved with from a festive wine tasting in aid of the Town Mayor's charities to a Family Party at The Rufus Centre.

The opportunity to win the chance to press the button to light up the town in the  'Turn on Flitwick Christmas Lights' competition has now closed and the organisers are thrilled to announce that six year old Connie Thomas from Templefield Lower School has been selected at random as the winner!

You can also write a message to be displayed on the Community Christmas Tree in the centre of town with our special 'Message Upon a Star' campaign.  We will be decorating the Christmas Tree with stars displaying individual Christmas messages. 

If you would like to take part please visit the Town Council offices at The Rufus Centre and purchase a star for £1.50.  You can then take your star home to write your personal message.  Stars must be returned by Friday 18th November and will be proudly on display at the Christmas Lights Switch On event on Sunday 27th November at Flitwick Town Square.

To learn more visit https://www.flitwick.gov.uk.

One third of parents worry about this Christmas, reveals Post Office

The Post Office research of 2,005 UK adults found a quarter say they plan to spend less money on close family and over a third will spend less on extended family and friends. With half saying Christmas will be a smaller occasion this year.

Nearly one in six plan on making homemade gifts; the main reason being to save money (63%). Whilst over half think it’s more thoughtful and over a third do so to be creative.

Four in ten plan to use cash to purchase Christmas gifts this year, and of these, two-thirds will do so to manage budgets and keep track of spending. A quarter plan to gift cash this year, instead of physical presents.

It comes as the Post Office announced it handled a record £3.45 billion in cash during August, with branches on track to further this record last month, October.

As Christmas edges closer, the Post Office is encouraging consumers to get ahead and post letters and parcels early.

Kristian Latham, Head of Letters & Parcels at the Post Office said: “Our research shows the cost of living will be impacting Christmas for many this year as households tighten their purse strings. This is set to affect how we shop, with more consumers planning on buying gifts earlier for financial reasons.

“Our branches will be open as usual in the pre-Christmas run up, helping consumers to post early, too. This is a great way to make the most of our cheaper posting rates, whilst leaving plenty of time for cards and gifts to arrive before the big day itself.

Despite half feeling excited, happy or optimistic about Christmas, the number of people feeling anxious and sad about the occasion has increased from just over one in six last year to almost one in four this year.

The Post Office study went on to find that half of us Brits shopping earlier this year are doing so to be more organised, with a third saying they make better decisions when they aren’t in a rush.

A fifth of those shopping earlier this year said they are doing so to ensure gifts arrive on time, with a quarter worrying a late gift might look like they hadn’t made any effort.

Four in ten admitted they enjoy Christmas shopping, with seven in ten planning on doing theirs in one of the sales.

Yet the majority of Christmas shoppers (74%), will be finishing up their Christmas shopping in December with one in three leaving it until just one week before the big day to pick up their final bits.

Struggling to know what gifts to purchase is the top reason people give for not getting their Christmas shopping completed early.

Latham went on to say: “As Brits gear up for the festive season, it’s vital to choose the best service for your precious gifts; the value of the item, speed of delivery needed and any tracking requirements are all important. If in doubt, our expert Postmasters can always recommend what’s best for your parcels.

“If you are posting goods or gifts abroad, being aware of what can and can’t be posted and getting customs forms right is very important to ensure parcels aren’t delayed or returned. Guidelines to filling in customs forms correctly are on our website and of course our Postmasters are always on hand to help.”

For more information this Christmas period, head to the Post Office’s Christmas hub, https://www.postoffice.co.uk/christmas.

Bath and North East Somerset prepares for the festive season

Work is underway to install Christmas lights and illuminations across Bath and North East Somerset with the first switch-on taking place next week.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has recently announced new four-year framework contracts for the provision of Christmas lighting throughout the area. This includes illuminations on streets and historic buildings in the City of Bath.

Traditional Christmas lights will be added to the illuminations during Bath’s Christmas Market, which opens to residents from the evening of 23 November. 

The council is also providing traditional lights to the Bath communities of Combe Down, Weston, Moorland Road and Larkhall as well as working in partnership with the three town councils on the provision of lights.

Keynsham's Winter Festival on 25 November includes an official switching on of the town’s Christmas lights. Radstock’s lights will be turned on from the Miners’ Wheel on 26 November.

Midsomer Norton’s lights, with the focal point on a new Christmas tree in the Hollies Garden will be lit from 24 November onwards.

Field & Lawn, one of the UK’s largest and leading independent providers of festive lighting, will be providing the traditional Christmas lights across Bath and North East Somerset and Fineline Lighting Ltd is supplying the projections and illuminations in Bath.

The new contracts allow the flexibility for partners like town and parish councils, local businesses and sponsors to contribute to enhance Christmas lights in future years.

Local residents and visitors to the area might have noticed that it is taking a little longer this year for some lights to be installed, this is due to longer manufacturing processes for some of the special, bespoke illuminations and the ongoing impact of driver shortages on the process.

Councillor Kevin Guy, who is council Leader, said: “The switch-on of Christmas lights and illuminations in city and town centres is an exciting moment when it really feels as if the festive season is under way, creating a special atmosphere in our local communities in the run up to Christmas. Thanks to our partners across the area who are working with us to provide some fantastic Christmas lighting.”

To learn more please visit https://bathchristmasmarket.co.uk.

(Image courtesy of MIH83 and Pixabay)

Annual Victorian Christmas Market returns to Bradford Industrial Museum

Bradford Industrial Museum is again hosting its popular annual Victorian Christmas Market after a break of two years due to the pandemic.

The event, on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November 2022, will see the Bradford City Council-run museum transformed into a veritable Victorian Christmas wonderland, with over 80 festive market stalls selling delicious food, toys, clothes, jewellery and accessories, plus there's the golden opportunity  to pick up a host of fabulous arts, crafts and festive gifts, galore. 

There will also be costumed characters, with Dickensian skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge expected to make an appearance.

Visiting Father Christmas on the specially decorated festive Bradford tram is always a firm favourite with children and it also makes a welcome return this year.

There will also be face painting, a concert band, Sandy Kidz Sand Art, plus other events running throughout the entire weekend.

The free event, which is always one of the most popular Christmas activities throughout the district, runs on Saturday November 26 and Sunday November 27 from 10am 'til 4pm on both days.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “The Victorian Christmas Market at Bradford Industrial Museum is always a very popular event and it is wonderful for children. There's plenty to see and do and it is certainly a great place to pick up early Christmas presents and to get in to the Christmas spirit.”

For more information visit www.bradfordmuseums.org.

Manchester's world-famous Christmas Markets are now open!

Credit: Darren Robinson

With 220 stalls across nine market sites in the city centre, selling food, drink and a stockingful of crafts and seasonal gifts, the markets are a must-visit attraction for visitors to the city and locals alike,  guaranteed to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

24 years on from the first Manchester Christmas Markets back in 1998, the markets continue to attract Mancunians and visitors alike to the city in their thousands to fill up on the fantastic festive treats on offer.

This year sees the iconic ski chalet market stalls take over Piccadilly Gardens, which is once again transformed into the Winter Gardens, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, and King Street.

With food and drink stalls cooking up everything from Bratwurst, vegan 5-bean Chilli, Korean Hotdogs, and gourmet Italian pizza, to pancakes and chocolate dipped Churros there's plenty to satisfy both foodies and Christmas shoppers alike.

Those seeking out a tipple won't be disappointed. If they are looking for a hot chocolate laden with marshmallows whipped cream and festive sprinkles, or a grown-up Gluhwein, German beer, or Salford Rum, there's a selection of drinks wide enough to quench the thirstiest of thirsts, they'll be well pleased!

Christmas gift hunters are also going to be spoilt for choice with gifts from amazing crafters and producers, selling all kinds of things from tweed hats, Christmas decorations, candles, fine soaps, jewellery, and gift sets of cheese truckles and more besides.

The markets will be open until Thursday 22 December.

Food and drink stalls across all Christmas market locations will be open from 11 am and close at 9 pm every day, Monday to Sunday.

Craft stalls across all the Christmas markets open at 10 am and close at 8 pm daily, Monday to Sunday.

Stalls at all Christmas market locations except Cathedral Gardens end at 6pm on Thursday 22 December.

However, the food and drink stalls at Cathedral Gardens will continue trading until 31 December to complement the ice rink which is also open until then. 

The opening times for stalls at Cathedral Gardens from 22 December are as follows:

22 Dec - open 11 am close at 9 pm

23 Dec - open 11 am close at 9 pm

24 Dec - open 10 am close at 5 pm 

25 Dec - closed for Christmas Day

26 Dec - 31 Dec - open 10 am close at 6 pm

This year also sees Dock 53 at the Winter Gardens with a selection of stalls selling food and drink, and live entertainment in all evenings.

Open through to December 24, Dock 53 is open as follows:

Opening times from 10 Nov through to 23 Dec are:

Mon - Wed open 11 am and close 10 pm

Thur - Sun open 11 am and close 11 pm

Dec 24 - open 11 am and close 6 pm

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester said: "Hello Christmas! Our world-beating Christmas markets are back! 

"They look totally amazing, stuffed full of treats and surprises for everyone. And with festive stalls filled with all the lights, sound, and magic of the season right across the city centre, they are a treat you won't want to miss. 

"This is such a magical time of year. We all know that Manchester does Christmas better than anywhere else - come and see us!"

For more information on Christmas in Manchester visit : manchester.gov.uk/christmas

Mendip District Council declares Shop local and park for free on Small Business Saturday

In the pre-Christmas period Mendip District Council is offering free parking at selected car parks across the district on Saturday, 3 December, to support Small Business Saturday.

The Council is encouraging shoppers to visit its high streets and purchase locally to support their independent businesses.

A spokesperson said: "Shop local and park for free on Small Business Saturday Small Business Saturday is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Free parking will be available in the following Council-owned car parks to support this initiative:

Cattle Market Car Park, Frome

St John's Car Park, Glastonbury

Great Ostry Car Park, Shepton Mallet

Cranhill Road Car Park, Street

Union Street Car Park, Wells

Councillor Simon Carswell, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: "It's great to again support Small Business Saturday. Our high streets are packed with fantastic local retail businesses and this important campaign shines the light directly on them.

"The cost of living crisis is having an impact and now more than ever small businesses are facing tougher circumstances. Let's do all we can to support them."

Remember, it's free to park in all Mendip owned car parks after 6pm and this includes on county Carnival nights at Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Wells.

Residents are asked to note all terms and conditions of car parking within the relevant car parks remain in force, including maximum time limits. To ensure everyone has a fair chance to enjoy this offer, please don't overstay. 

Please don't park in disabled bays, unless you're a blue badge holder. And park responsibly, by staying within the parking bay markings, and avoiding hatched lined areas, for safety reasons.

Penalty charges will be issued if you breach the conditions. There is an appeals process, details of which can be found on your parking ticket.

For more information on Mendip car parks, please visit Pay & Display Car Parks in Mendip: www.mendip.gov.uk/paydisplay.

For more information about Small Business Saturday, or to get involved, please visit smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

Shoppers at Asda can pick up Christmas Dinner for a family five for less than £22

Asda has launched its Frozen dinner offer, at a cost of a mere £4.40 per head. But it also unlocks free cash for Asda Rewards App users, too.

Customers using the Asda Rewards App can earn £1.50 in their cash pot, when spending £20 or more on Frozen Christmas dinner essentials until 27th November 2022.

As Christmas gets ever nearer and shoppers are seeking ways to begin spreading the cost, smart Asda shoppers can stock up on their frozen Christmas dinner essentials in advance, packing the freezer to feed a family of five for just £21.48.

And there's more! Asda Rewards App users can also earn £1.50 in their Rewards App cash pot, when they spend just £20 on selected frozen Christmas dinner essentials including Brussels Sprouts, British Turkey and Pigs in Blankets.

The list of Frozen Christmas dinner products available includes all of the below;

Asda Basted Small British Turkey, Frozen (approx. 2.6kg) - £13.50

Asda Frozen for Freshness Sliced Carrots (1kg) - £1.10

Asda Frozen for Freshness Garden Peas (1kg) - £1.25

Asda Party Pigs in Blankets, Frozen (12pk) - £2.50

Asda Crispy Roast Potatoes, Frozen (800g) - £0.88

Asda Frozen for Freshness Brussels Sprouts (1kg) - £1.25

Asda Frozen Yorkshire Puddings, (12pk) - £1.00

Currently the cheapest frozen deal on the market, Asda’s Frozen Christmas Dinner offer is over 40p cheaper per head than their nearest competitor, and with the additional £1.50 cash reward, customers will be able to spend on other exciting Christmas goodies, too.

Also, shoppers don't have to spend £20 in one transaction in order to complete the £20 Rewards App ‘mission’ on Frozen Christmas Dinner, so customers can spread the cost of these items between now and 27th November.

To learn more about Asda's Rewards scheme, visit: https://groceries.asda.com/event/asda-rewards?cmpid=ahc-_-ghs-_-asdacom-_-hp-_-card-3-_-rewards.

Get Christmas crafting for fun!

I was in our local branch of the bookshop called "The Works" looking for a book (as you do) when I noticed that they had a wide range of Christmas craft items.

Idea of a book forgotten for that moment, I decided that I needed to put my barely adequate crafting skills to use and I browsed through the shelves for something appropriate to make for Christmas.

They had a Decorate Your Own Festive Wooden Village at £3.00, an LED Wooden Christmas Scene at £6.00, a Wooden Merry Christmas Garland at £3.00, a Wooden Build Your Own Merry Christmas Hanging House: Pack of 2 at £3.00, a Wooden 3D Christmas Tree at £5.00, a Wooden Christmas Tree Advent Calendar at £13.00, a Fill Your Own Baubles: Pack of 6 at £2.00.

Also a Christmas Cookie Cutters: Pack of 10 at £3.00, a 10 Piece Christmas Stamper Set at £3.00, Paint Your Own Hanging Christmas Decorations Kit at £4.00, a Jar of Assorted Jingle Bells at £3.00, a Upper Case Alphabet Wooden Stamps: Pack of 26 with the ink stamp at £3.00, card making kits, garlands, Christmas craft kits and more besides.

I chose the alphabet wooden stamps, the assorted jingle bells and the build your own hanging Merry Christmas house. Though you have to be careful to make sur you glue the sections the right way round or your decorative house would say samtsirhC yrreM instead of Merry Christmas!

To find your nearest branch of The Works or to shop online visit https://www.theworks.co.uk.

All I want for Christmas is my Asda Christmas Tree pizza!

The tree-shaped pizza features a whole host of festive favourites, including stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce!

Priced at a nifty £3.75, customers will be able to purchase the pizza at in-store Asda Pizza Counters from the 12th December.

The pizza is launching as part of Asda’s biggest Christmas offering to date, with 723 new items released for an extra special Christmas.

With Christmas right around the corner and festive staples starting to make their way into homes across the country, what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with Asda’s new Christmas Tree Pizza?

It's idea for an evening in with the family, or even a pre-Christmas party with colleagues and friends, the dough-licious tree-shaped pizza combines a teatime favourite with the nostalgia of Christmas, promising a mouth-watering treat with every bite.

The pizza features a range of seasonal ingredients like juicy, diced turkey breast, flavoursome sage and onion stuffing balls, crispy bacon, delicious cheese and topped at home with fruity cranberry sauce, ideal for those looking to indulge and get a taste of the big day.

They'll be available from Asda’s in-store pizza counters nationally between the 12th and 24th December, made by hand using fresh ingredients daily.

What’s more, for just 40p extra, customers can heat their pizza in-store, when purchasing at the Pizza Counter. Simply ask the colleague at the counter to heat your pizza in the in-store oven, and enjoy the cheapest takeaway-style pizza on the market!

Asda’s Christmas Tree Pizza is one of many new festive products launched for 2022, with this year’s offering marking the store’s largest Christmas range to date, featuring 723 new products available to buy in-store and online.

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Oxfordshire-based charity aims to help the 14% this Christmas

Mehiel Foundation, a small registered charity (1198017) based in the Oxfordshire town of Bicester has given itself the task of providing a festive Christmas dinner to every child in need this festive season.

According to joint DWP and HMRC estimates, 14% of the children in Oxfordshire live in poverty. 

A spokesperson said: "In an age when we spend more on dieting than we do on poverty eradication, no child should go to sleep hungry."

Through the “Sacks of Hope” initiative, Mehiel Foundation works with local schools and churches to identify families who are in need and supplies them with sacks of groceries which include fruits, vegetables, rice, pasta, tins of soups, sweets, a Christmas pudding, a whole chicken and many more goodies costing around £23/sack.

But Mehiel Foundation needs your help! Because of the pandemic, the number of families requiring assistance has increased considerably over the past two years.

You have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of less fortunate Oxfordshire children this Christmas. Mehiel Foundation’s 100% Donation Policy will ensure all your donations go towards purchasing the groceries and not a single penny will be spent on “admin” costs. Text SOH followed by your donation amount to 70580 to give that amount (max £20) or visit www.mehiel.org/donate.

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The Perfect Christmas Gift Idea for any keen Gardener!

This Christmas you can send a gift to the gardener that you love whilst also making a sustainable difference with Carbon Gold's Biochar range. And it's a gift that will keep giving all year long!

Carbon Gold has a Biochar product for every green-fingered lover of the garden this festive season, with its range of climate-friendly gifts that are aimed at boosting plant health, improving water efficiency, reducing the impact of diseases, enhancing soil health and giving plants, trees, and shrubs vitality all year round!

Founded by Craig Sams (the entrepreneur behind Green & Black's Chocolate and Whole Earth), Royal Warrant holders and B Corp accredited Carbon Gold has an award-winning range of Biochar-based, peat-free planting aids created for home growers, gardeners and allotmenters alike.

It’s Soil Association approved for organic growing range, offers a Biochar solution for every garden task: from growing a luscious, green lawn, supercharging your vegie patches, nourishing houseplants, improving soil, or planting trees, Biochar will sequester (lock) the carbon into the soil, reducing the CO² levels that would otherwise be released into our atmosphere and will revitalise plants from root to tip!

Stocking Filler Ideas:

Biochar Houseplant Booster - £9.99 RRP 1 Litre Tub

Following the growing trend for nurturing houseplants, Biochar Houseplant Booster to supports healthier growth in most indoor

plants, including cacti. Due to its extraordinary water-holding capacity,

Biochar will help prevent houseplants from drying out and support a healthy soil microbiome and better airflow through the houseplant soil, ensuring resilient root development and better drainage – delivering a plant that will flourish and thrive in indoor conditions.

Biochar Compost Rejuvenator - £9.99 RRP 1 Litre Tub

Why replace compost when you don’t really have to? Biochar Compost Rejuvenator has been created to breathe new life into used compost. Just add Compost Rejuvenator to your old compost, and revitalise it with a combination of nutrients, biology, and fertiliser, all of which will have been exhausted after a productive growing season. Biochar Compost Rejuvenator can be added to used compost or a plain substrate to get you off to a flying start in the new growing season.

Biochar Tree Soil Improver - £9.99 RRP 1 Litre Tub

Biochar Tree Soil Improver is ideal whether you are planting new trees or woody plants or if you need to revitalise established ones.

It promotes root development and reduces nutrient leaching, which helps defend against transplant shock and drought stress. A perfect and powerful treatment for all types of trees but also for shrubs, roses, bare root stock and hedging.

"With Climate Change undeniably at the forefront, Biochar will deliver enormous benefits to the garden for years to come, as well as save money, boost soil health, and reduce the amount you need to water with a positive impact on climate change. This sustainable gift will keep giving all year round," points out Sue Rawlings, the Managing Director of Carbon Gold.

Carbon Gold's biochar products are Made in Britain certified, Soil Association approved for organic growing and favoured by legions of gardeners across the country.

Available at: Abel and Cole, Dobbies, RHS, Amazon.co.uk, Daylesford Organic. See more stockists on www.carbongold.com.

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Wild and Game Christmas Hampers are now Launched!

Wild game specialist Wild and Game have launched their Christmas hampers for 2022. They are available to pre-order on the Wild and Game website now.

The hampers are carefully designed to and created to ensure that you have everything you will need for a series of feast days throughout the Christmas period. 

They include a Christmas Eve pheasant or venison Wellingtons, a Christmas day three bird roasts with pigs in blankets, Boxing Day venison roasts, and a festive buffet selection.

As well as game roasts, charcuterie, Wellingtons, pates and pies, the boxes contain Somerset cheeses and a luxury chutney selection.

There are three boxes to choose from:

Hamper 1 feeds 2 people throughout the festive season for £55 per person. Total box price: £109.

Hamper 2 feeds 4 people throughout the festive season for £50 per person. Total box price: £199.99.

Hamper 3 feeds 6 people throughout the festive season for £50 per person. Total box price: £299.99.

Wild and Game co-founder Steven Frampton explains: “Our Christmas hampers are always a massive hit and this year's offering will be our best ever, offering excellent value for money whilst bringing luxury and interest to your festive meals. It's wise to get your hamper pre-booked, because these always sell out very quickly."

He went on to point out: “We're seeing an increased appetite for game as people realise eating game is a sustainable and sensible alternative to eating farmed meat. It helps maintain natural balance and biodiversity whilst producing meat that's lean and free from hormones and antibiotics. 

"And because it's so high in protein, a little game goes a long way. It's satisfying and filling, and far more flavoursome than farmed meat. This makes it a healthy, cost-effective choice as well as a sustainable one.”

To learn more and to place your orders please visit www.wildandgame.co.uk.

Want a "Lidl" more for your Christmas spend? Appears 60% of households want the same.

Lidl GB is seeing customer numbers continuing to increase as shoppers seek to make savings in the lead up to Christmas, with over 770,000 more people shopping with the discounter each week compared against last year.

As more households face further financial strain this wintertime as we head toward Christmas, shoppers have switched £58m spending from traditional supermarkets to Lidl, in a bid to get more for their hard earned money.

Whilst making their funds go further, smart customers are already stocking up on key Christmas essentials with sales of Lidl’s Partytime range up 21% and its Panettone up 8% versus the previous year. Shoppers are also flocking to Lidl stores for British produce, with the discounter over-trading in British meat, poultry and eggs. For example it holds the largest market share in British pork.

With its busiest trading months ahead of it, Lid is promising customers old and new that it will to continue to offer the market's best value. 

Said Ryan McDonnell, Lidl GB CEO: “As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, we're more focused than ever on supporting our colleagues, our customers and the communities we serve. This year alone we have invested £50m raising hourly pay rates, thus making us the highest paying retailer, we’ve donated 5m meals, and we’re serving over 770,000 more customers a week compared to last year. As a discount supermarket we are in the best possible position to support people through these challenging times, and it’s our absolute priority that we continue to do so.”

Incidentally, we at That's Christmas have to admit that we specially love Lidl's Favorina Stollen and their Favorina Spekulatius Christmas biscuits. Which, because we eat them as soon as we buy them, we have to buy several times before we get to Christmas!

To check out their Christmas goodies, gifts, etc visit Lidl at https://www.lidl.co.uk.

Church is more than just for Christmas as millions are in touch with church community action amid cost of living crisis

Over seven million people had contact with their local church for community support such as food banks, parent toddler groups and lunch clubs, new figures suggest.

Polling by Savanta ComRes for the Church of England shows almost half the population reports having been in contact with their local church, at 46% , with the most popular reasons for doing so being attending weddings, baptisms, and funerals (50%) worship and services (42%) and carol services (39%).

But the figures also show 30% of those in contact with their local church, or 13.7% of all UK adults, have done so via community services like a parent toddler groups, lunch clubs and food banks. 

The figures also reveal twice as many agree (47%) as disagree (23%) that the local church is an important part of their community and just over a half (52%) agree the Church is an important part of British society. 

The findings come after Church of England statistics from 2019 show its churches running or supporting 35,000 social action projects. 

This includes 8,000 food banks and in excess of 4,000 parent/carer toddler groups. Over 5,000 churches run or support lunch clubs, coffee mornings or similar hospitality for older people.

The Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler, who speaks for the bishops in the House of Lords on welfare issues, said: “These figures show the extent to which the Church of England is providing not just spiritual and pastoral support but practical help to communities throughout the country. 

“Jesus’s commandment to love your neighbour as yourself is evident in the care and service provided by churches in so many ways.

“The biggest source of practical support provided by Church of England currently is through running or supporting around 8,000 food banks throughout the country and many of our churches are now opening up as ‘warm spaces’ through the ‘Warm Welcome’ campaign, as people struggle to pay their energy bills.

“Sadly we anticipate that these services will come under increasing pressure this winter.”

(The image shown is credited: Profile of woman in a food bank, volunteers working in the background Diocese of Birmingham)

Christmas lights to buy? Ikea is the place

Christmas is coming and perhaps you have moved into a place of your own and you need to buy some Christmas lights? 

Or perhaps you looked at your existing Christmas lights and they aren't really going to be doing it for you this Christmas? Perhaps someone forgot to take the batteries out and the terminals became corroded or the mains wiring isn't looking too safe? 

Either way, you will be requiring some new Christmas lights and what better place to buy them from but Ikea? After all, Ikea's HQ isn't that far from Santa's home so you'd expect Ikea to know a thing or two about Christmas light, right?

What has Ikea got? They have a new range of  festive lights called  STRÅLA LED lights. Ikea guarantee that they'll certainly be able to create a cosy winter atmosphere in any room with. In fact they say: "Their festive forms make a stand-alone style statement that brings warmth and cheer to cold nights."

There are lanterns, LED lighting chains, LED garlands, charming illuminated Christmas scenes for your table, mini Christmas trees, star table lights, etc.

Want a new Christmas tree? Ikea has a 210cm (6.8 feet) artificial Christmas tree for under £100.

There are also festive gift wrap, baubles and much more besides. Also, they sell batteries, too.

www.ikea.com for details or to buy online

Co-op says "No! to big TV adverts this Christmas

To offer backing to communities during the cost of living crisis, Co-op has decided to pull its traditional main Christmas advert to instead focus on national community food initiatives

The leading convenience retailer will instead host a live stream from “Your Local Pantry,” to highlight community food initiatives, which provide long-term dignified support to those facing food insecurity all year round, exacerbated this Christmas by the cost of living crisis.

TV Chef and Rapper Big Zuu will bring the Local Peckham Pantry community together, to host a live cookalong, with special guests, members and volunteers.

Chef, Presenter and Author, Miguel Barclay will join Zuu to share useful tips and tricks to make groceries go further in a unique live stream broadcasted across Big Zuu’s Instagram at 7pm.

Co-op partnering with Your Local Pantry to bring 150 more UK neighbourhoods together around food and support 32,000 households manage finances over the next three years

The partnership will see sites triple to 225 across the UK, owing to the funding from Co-op Members

By not spending multi-millions of Pounds on TV advertising this Christmas Co-op is instead channelling funds into wider cost of living support for its colleagues, member customers and their communities.

Co-op has partnered with TV Chef and Rapper Big Zuu, to stream live from Your Local Pantry in Peckham. The unique activation will bring the local community together through food, by demonstrating simple and nutritious recipes for only a few pounds, as well as meeting the Local Pantry volunteers and members who are helping their community grow and thrive.

The live stream will also see special appearances from Chef, Presenter and Author, Miguel Barclay - the brains behind One Pound Meals, to share useful tips and tricks to make your groceries go further.

The partnership, which is funded by Co-op Members, will see the Your Local Pantry network triple within three years from 75 to 225 Pantries across the UK, with the addition of 150 new Pantries.

Pantries are run by uniformed staff and volunteers, are open to all and work like any other grocery store, in that you choose the food you want from the shelves. Members pay a few pounds a week, and in return can choose groceries worth many times more.

This Christmas, and all year round, those looking for financial support can become a Local Pantry Member and pay as little as £3.50 for around £10 worth of food. At the Peckham Pantry, it costs just £4.50 for around £15 of food.

To date, Your Local Pantry has helped tens of thousands of households improve finances and access more affordable food. Through the new partnership, Co-op and Your Local Pantry aim to support over 32,000 households over the next three years, saving Local Pantry members almost £5million on shopping bills. Regular members save an average of £1,000 a year.

Shirine Khoury-Haq, Group CEO at Co-op: “Whilst many of our competitors are also adapting their Christmas ads to reflect the mood of the nation in a cost of living crisis, we are going further by pulling our ad altogether. In doing so we will be shining a light on the need to support vital community causes, throughout the year and not just at Christmas, especially with a deep recession looming.”

Our unique Co-op membership continues to drive our thinking and through our members incredible support, we are able to channel our resources and make local differences in ways no others can match. Through their ongoing commitment we can make society fairer and more co-operative.”

James Henderson, Your Local Pantry Network Development Coordinator, added: “Pantries are fantastic places. They bring people together around food, soften the impact of high living costs, and strengthen the power and potential of neighbourhoods. Communities have long wanted to improve food security while upholding dignity, choice and hope, and Pantries are a proven win-win solution. We're really excited to be teaming up with the Co-op, so another 150 neighbourhoods can open Pantries of their own."

Big Zuu, TV Chef and Grime Artist added: “Everyone deserves access to great quality food at affordable prices. I hope that by visiting the Peckham Pantry and cooking up some healthy, tasty and more affordable meals with the team, more people in need will seek out community initiatives like Your Local Pantry.

Your Local Pantries are open to all and work like any other grocery store, in that you choose the food you want from the shelves. The pantries are run by uniformed staff and volunteers who manage the stores with hand-held technology. Members pay a small subscription of a few pounds a week (ranging from £3.50 - £7 dependent on location), and in return can choose groceries worth many times more.

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Ideal for Christmas gifts for the foodies in your life from La Peninsula

Introducing a brand-new range of unique textured walnut and carbonised ash serving boards and homeware, handcrafted by small family run Spanish wood craft workshop Estudio Sangiovanni.  

The company is famous for producing tableware within the area of haute cuisine and working with successful gastronomic restaurants throughout Europe. 

These pieces are 100% handmade, normally from a single piece of noble wood. Shaped from what nature produces, they don't have an expiration date, because they are timeless and blessed with a rustic sophistication. 

Their imperfect, natural aesthetic adds a layer of simple elegance to any table and make them ideal for entertaining. 

These handcrafted boards have the durability to wear over time and take on a new patina as they are enjoyed, used and shared, to become future vintage pieces. 

Serving Boards: Available in three different styles and sized boards with two different wood finishes:

Floreal Carbonised Ash or Walnut Round Plate £60 

Dunya Carbonised Ash or Walnut Rectangular Serving Board £68

Jigugu Carbonised Ash or Walnut Rectangular Serving Board £70

Decorative Bowls:

Twins Bowl – Carbonised Ash £120

Svart Bowl – Carbonised Ash £85

A spokesman said: "La Peninsula Ltd is a new brand showcasing inspirational products and endeavouring to become the 'home of Spanish and Portuguese design and homeware in the UK. Our collection encapsultes the fusion of traditional techniques with modernity and contemporary design - all originating from the Iberian Peninsula."

To learn more and to place your order please visit www.la-peninsula.com.

Hampers are not just for Christmas. Ask the experts, Farrer and Tanner

Whilst it's certainly true that hampers are not just the Christmas season, although they are undeniably a festive favourite, the hamper is a part of custom with origins dating back as far back as the 11th century. 

The concept was first introduced to England by the French, parcelling food and drink together in boxes and baskets while travelling on long journeys or on hunting expeditions.

But it wasn't until much, much later, when wealthy Victorians started giving hampers as gifts at Christmas, mainly to their staff members, that the meaningful tradition that we recognise it today really took off.

Let's face it, who doesn't love unwrapping a bundle of luxurious gourmet delights? A hamper is always guaranteed to be very much appreciated, and when looking for the perfect present to spoil that special person in your life at Christmastime or for any other special occasion, what better gift to give to make their day even more special with a gift box hamper?

A spokesman for Farrar and Tanner said: "Choose from our expertly curated hamper gift sets with a selection of delectable gifts, including the finest wines, champagne, port, artisan chocolates, cheese and more. And please remember these are exclusive combinations only available at Farrar & Tanner, beautifully presented in wooden gift boxes ready to be personalised with your message and delivered directly to the doorstep of your choice. Maximum luxury, minimum fuss."

The example shown is their Calvet Chateauneuf Du Pape Red Wine with Artisan Cheese and Duck Rillette Personalised Hamper at £75.

www.farrar-tanner.co.uk

Do Goodly Launches New Market Plant-Based Dips Into Ocado

This is something that we feel would be a great addition to your Chirstmas table and Christmas and New Year parties. Because they'll be great for vegetarians, vegans, coeliacs and everyone else, too. 

Because unlike other vegan cheese-style dips, Nacho Cheeze Dip is 100% natural, gluten free, super healthy and also high in protein. 

It's got all the taste and texture of a cheese dip, but is made with wholesome cannellini beans, carrots, herbs and spices.

The new Roasted Red Pepper Dip is made to a unique recipe based on the classic Catalan romesco sauce, blending red peppers, garlic and onions with cannellini beans in the place of almonds for a tasty healthy twist.

These are the latest additions to Do Goodly's ever-growing range of natural, plant-based dips, which also includes Superstar Salsa, Mighty Beetroot Borani, Smashed Pea Guacamole, and Tasty Tomato and Bean Houmous.

Do Goodly Dips Superstar Salsa has been awarded the highly acclaimed Great Taste Award and all four existing products in the range have won Farm Shop and Deli awards. Earlier in the year, Do Goodly was crowned Wales Food and Drink Start-Up Business of the Year at the inaugural Wales Food and Drink Awards.

The company was formed in Cross Hands, West Wales in 2021 by businessman Richard Abbey and Michelin-trained chef Scott Davis after they discovered a shared ambition to create a range of healthy, feelgood food.

Made with an emphasis on being plant based, being filled with flavour and nutrition, the dips contain no added sugar and nothing artificial at all.

The dips are currently available nationwide in farm shops, delis and independent stores and from www.dogoodlydips.com priced £2.59.

For trade they're available from wholesalers Cresco, CLF and Holley's in cases of six, retail price per pot £2.59, Pack weight: 150g.

Do Goodly Foods co-founder Richard Abbey said: “We're excited to add these two unique dips to our growing range. We love creating dips that are totally natural and healthy, and also delicious - and these definitely fit the bill. 

Our Nacho Cheeze Dip can be enjoyed hot or cold and is perfect with tortillas or as a topping, while our Roasted Red Pepper Dip works beautifully as part of a spread or to add interest to your cooking.”

MANISAFE is the perfect Christmas gift for gel manicure and beauty lovers

MANISAFE London's ultra-stylish and multi-award-winning gel manicure and sunblock gloves are the ultimate gift for gel nail lovers and skincare enthusiasts.

Slipping on their UPF50+ rated gloves protect user's hands from potentially harmful UVA rays emitted by nail lamps to cure gel polish. 

They also provide excellent sun protection whilst driving or outdoors and are a lifesaver for women with photosensitive  hands. 

This Christmas, giving MANISAFE gloves helps your bestie or loved one keep their hands looking youthful for longer! 

With six colours and prints to chose from they are like an SPF and fashion accessory all-in-one. Each pair comes with a stylish carry pouch to take on the go.

Retailing for £24.99 they are a perfect and utterly unique gift for her, for a secret Santa event or even a stocking stuffer.  MANISAFE offers gift wrapping with a personalised hand-written note for only an extra £3, for that added touch of Christmas gift luxury.

A spokeswoman said: "MANISAFE London is a female-founded independent London-based micro-business  that is planet-conscious.  Our sustainability initiatives include carbon neutral shipping, a tree planting programme, sustainable postal packaging and our gloves are made with 59% recycled materials.

"We help to protect hands and the planet! Make someone very happy with the gift of MANISAFE this season."

To order please visit https://manisafe.com.

Give a beauty treatment for Christmas with beauty booking app Booksy

Image courtesy of Alice McNails

Let your nails do the talking this party season as beauty booking app Booksy’s Ambassador Alice McNails shares her top trend predictions for fun and festive Christmas 2022 nail art. 

With Google trends showing searches for "Christmas Nails" up +200% over the last seven days, salon booking app Booksy says nail salon bookings are set to soar as customers flock to salons to celebrate this magical time of year with a Christmas mani. 

Booksy Ambassador and social media superstar Alice McNails, who boasts over 56k followers on Instagram says: "Everyone likes to go for delicious rich shades at this time of year, my customers are starting to ask for a classic red, midnight blue, forest green, and all the glitter. Classic designs always come back around at Christmas, candy canes, snowflakes, little presents, snowmen, and intricate holly and ivy details are forever popular. The 2022 take is to make these details 3D.

"I'm loving experimenting with texture right now, high shine chrome in gold and silver is very popular and sugaring to create a snowy effect (when you apply acrylic powder or loose glitter to a wet gel layer) is perfect for a chic nod to Christmas. For a festive take on the classic French manicure, why not swap out classic tips and opt for festive tip nails with candy cane, frosted snow or Santa hat French tips in a sugaring effect?

"Nothing says festive like red nails, I predict 70% of my clients will opt for some form of red on their nails this season, it's the Christmas crowd favourite. My big 2022 predictions are that 3D snow globe nails, baubles, and the cat eye trend are all going to be popular - we'll be seeing more 3D elements everywhere.”

Alice’s 2022 Christmas nail predictions:

Classic Christmassy red

Dashing 3D details

Beautiful baubles

Festive French tips

Gorgeous glitter

Hair and beauty booking app Booksy allows customers to access hair, beauty, and wellness treatments in their local area 24/7 without any of the fuss of back-and-forth phone calls. Once registered and logged in, it takes just ten seconds for users to find and book a suitable, local appointment at a time to suit, streamlining the booking process and saving customers time and hassle. 

The Booksy app is free to download here https://booksy.com/en-gb/ and it's also free to use, too. And customers have the option to search by service type or location, and even find same-day appointments. Users receive appointment reminder notifications and can cancel or amend their booking without having to contact the salon directly.

UK Parliament’s shop partners with Leicester textile manufacturer to create the exclusive 2022 Christmas jumper

The official shop of the UK Parliament is again partnering with Jack Masters, a family-run textile manufacturer based in Leicester design and supply Parliament's official limited edition Christmas jumper.

Jack Masters is a family-run textiles manufacturer based in the Aylestone area of Leicester, city with a long association with the textiles trade dating back into the Victorian era.

Set up in 1987 by husband and wife Dilip and Illa Patel, the business has been supplying high quality knitwear and knitted accessories to fashion brands, designers, independent boutiques and catalogue firms for over three decades.

Today, Jack Masters is run by Dilip's son Snahal, who is just as passionate about British design and manufacturing as his predecessors. The firm had previously partnered with UK Parliament in 2021, for the production of last year’s best-selling Christmas jumper.

To celebrate the unveiling of the restored Elizabeth Tower earlier this year, the 2022 design features a repeating bell and clock tower motif, alongside the Parliamentary portcullis, all nicely captured in a traditional fair isle pattern.

With colours inspired by the Tower’s restored clock dials, including the ‘Prussian Blue' colour of the restored clock hands and numerals, this year's limited edition jumper will be certain to strike a chord this Christmas.

The jumper is composed of 60% recycled pre-consumer cotton and 40% recycled post-consumer polyester, so is a sustainable, long-lasting blend that retains a soft, cosy feel, perfect for the festive season.

The Jack Masters team are passionate about sustainability. An advantage of manufacturing garments in the same country as they are distributed and sold is a smaller carbon footprint from transport. Jack Masters are also committed to a zero-waste production process. They use recycled, recyclable or biodegradable packaging, and produce many of their garments using recycled yarns. 

This year's Houses of Parliament Christmas jumper is one such garment produced from 100% recycled contents. 

Discover more about Jack Masters and the Houses of Parliament Christmas jumper here https://mailchi.mp/32de085d78e3/jack-masters.

Aldi reveals Christmas opening times

Aldi has revealed when its stores will be open over the festive period.

In the pre-Christmas run-up, Aldi will be extending their opening hours, from 7am to 10pm from Monday 19th December to give shoppers more time to pick up last-minute food, drink and gifts before the big day.

Stores will also be open until 6pm on Christmas Eve, but customers should check local store details online to avoid disappointment.

Aldi will close its stores as usual on Christmas Day, and will once again keep all stores shut on Boxing Day as a thank you to their colleagues and in recognition of their hard work throughout the year, as it has always done since opening in the UK in excess of 30 years ago.

The majority of stores will also be open from 8am until 8pm in between Christmas and New Year, and until 6pm on New Year’s Eve to help shoppers get everything they need to bring in 2023, at the lowest possible prices in Britain.

Stores will also be open until 8pm on Bank Holiday Monday (2nd January) 2023.

Aldi has everything customers need to make this Christmas and New Year special, thanks to its award-winning range of delicious food and drink, and an array of gifts for all the family. Details of Aldi’s amazing Christmas range can be found here.

The supermarket also offers a Click and Collect service in over 200 stores, meaning thousands of shoppers across the UK will be able to get quality Aldi groceries online at unbeatable prices in time for Christmas. Shoppers will be able to choose from a range of grocery items online here, then drive to their local store where their shopping will be brought to their car by Aldi colleagues. Pre-order slots for Christmas will be revealed soon.

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Thatchers family mulled cider recipe is ideal for Christmas

Many of us who are fans of the Christmas season of good cheer, good will, good food and good drink will have tried mulled wine before now.

But how many of us have tried mulled cider before?

If you haven't, the Thatchers family are sharing their very own mulled cider recipe with us.

So, with the season for warm, spicy cider upon us, here's a traditional recipe for Mulled Cider that the Thatcher family has passed down the generations.

This recipe serves 8 people.

To make your own mulled cider, just take two litres of Thatchers Gold cider (or Thatchers Zero for an alcohol-free alternative), and add:

1 sliced orange, lemon and apple

2 star anise

5 cloves (or ½ tspn of ground cloves)

2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 tspn of ground cinnamon)

8 slices of ginger (or 1 tspn ground ginger)

Soft brown sugar to taste.

Mix all the ingredients together, simmer gently in a pan for around ½ hour but be careful not to let it boil.

Serve, share and enjoy.

So, who are Thatchers? They are a family run cider maker with its home in Sandford, Somerset. Its ciders, all full of natural apple character, are crafted at Myrtle Farm. Pride in its heritage, Thatchers has been  making cider for four generations and it's simply at the heart of everything they do.  

Its knowledge and passion for apples is reflected in its ciders: authentic, flavour-filled full of flavour and with a distinct character that reflects Somerset cider making at its very best.

Thatchers crafts a range of ciders, including Thatchers Gold, Thatchers Haze, Thatchers Blood Orange and Thatchers Cloudy Lemon, but whichever you choose, you can be sure they have all been made with the same care, attention and hands-on experience.