Christmas comes to Shoreham in festive weekend

The weekend kicked off on Friday as Coronation Green hosted a Christmas Artisans’ Fayre.

Filling the marquee were stalls selling clothes, crackers, alcohol, jewellery and more. Families browsed the tables before enjoying food and a drink, while being entertained by a live band playing Christmas tunes.

Pauline Freestone, events officer for Adur council, said at the event: “There’s been a really good turnout – there’s been lots of people here since 4pm.”

Among the handmade gifts on offer were unique Christmas trees made from pallet wood, created by Roy Parmenter by Ferring.

A tombola was organised and run by three volunteers from the Portslade and Shoreham Division of the St John Ambulance.

Real ale was provided by a stall from the Riverside Brewery, based in Upper Beeding. Mike Rice from the company said: “It’s nice to see lots of families coming in.”

Down the road at the Marlipins museum, visitors picked up a drink and mince pie before wandering around the craft tables selling wooden gifts, jewellery, pottery, glassware and cards.

Trustee Jennifer Mattocks and museum custodian Pauline Cracknell were among those who had set up a stall, which sold homemade preserves, jams and marmalades. Larry Richardson, a custodian, and Barbara Richardson were getting everyone involved in a raffle, with all proceeds going towards funding a new roof for the museum. 
Children flocked upstairs for a chance to meet Father Christmas. Santa gave out presents from his wishing well, meeting 120 children in his grotto over the evening.

Liza McKinney, the honorary secretary of the Friends of Marlipins Museum and maker of the popular cider punch sold every year at the event, said: “It’s been absolutely marvellous.

“There’s been queues of children to meet Father Christmas and everyone has been enjoying a drink.”

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service sent an engine down to East Street, giving children the chance to climb inside and look at apparatus. Saturday saw the Christmas Artisan Fayre return and the regular artisans market held in East Street.

Marlipins museum was open again and the public were treated to a performance of St George and the Turkish Knight by the Sompting Tipteers on the high street in the afternoon.

There was one last chance to bargain hunt at the Christmas Fayre on Sunday until the afternoon.

Have you checked out our new Christmas section yet?

It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.

There’s recipes, suggestions for presents and everything from choosing your tree to recycling your packaging and paper.

Go to www.shorehamherald.co.uk/christmas/