Meet Father Christmas and real reindeer at Bakewell Christmas Sparkle free event

Bakewell Christmas Sparkle will take place indoors and outside at Bakewell Agricultural Centre on November 27 from 10am to 4pm.

The event is organised by charitable organisation Bakewell Agricultural & Horticultural Society whose manager Bridget Hope said:

“Last year’s inaugural Bakewell Christmas Sparkle was so popular that we were even being asked to bring it back during the event!

“Our focus has once again been to put together a family event that’s packed with plenty to do, as well as showcasing some of the fantastic makers and producers in our region.”

This year’s Sparkle will comprise an indoor market of around 40 stalls run by local producers and makers, an independent food and drink court, children’s craft workshops and musical entertainment throughout the day from Ashover Band and Peak Performance choir. There will also be a cosy heated tipi supplied by Tipis in the Peak - the perfect place to warm up while supping a festive tipple.Local businesses participating include Sunshine Pizza Oven, Amber Valley Ironworks, Peak Patisserie, Stonecroft Farm, Wayne’s Woodcraft and Joebie Espresso, to name just a few.

Father Christmas will be making a guest appearance and families can also meet real reindeer from Retford’s Haughton Park.Children’s craft workshops will be provided by Bakewell Agricultural & Horticultural Society and Chesterfield’s StraightCurves. Kids can get stuck in making air-drying clay Christmas decorations, Christmas cards, badges, woolly baubles and reindeer food for Christmas Eve. Festive face painting will also be on offer. Children’s sessions do not need to be booked and carry a nominal fee ranging from £1 to £5.

Bakewell Agricultural & Horticultural Society (BAHS) provides an independent voice for local agriculture, horticulture and forestry, lobbying on their behalf and supporting best practice in food production and the use of natural resources. Its aim is to work closely with farmers, food producers and others involved in the rural economy in and around Bakewell to build close relationships for the benefit of all.

The charity has its roots in the depression that followed the devastatingly expensive Napoleonic wars. Struggling farmers needed an organisation to speak for them and lobby the government to impose heavier taxes on imported produce. A meeting of local farmers and landowners resulted in the formation of The Scarsdale and High Peak Agricultural Society, which later became BAHS.Further information about BAHS and Bakewell Christmas Sparkle can be found at bakewellahs.co.uk