Five Reasons Why You Need to Visit Living North's Christmas Fairs
Plan a fantastically festive day out at Living North's Christmas Fair this year
Living North’s always-popular Christmas Fairs are back and better than ever, and we’ll be bringing a whole heap of festive joy to Newcastle Racecourse from 24th–27th October and York Racecourse from 14th–17th November. Check out five great reasons to visit below.
1. Find All Your Christmas Shopping Under One Roof
With more than 250 carefully-selected stands, from artisan designer-makers, local food producers and fashion retailers to homewares, gifts and accessories, and of course special Christmas decorations, Living North’s Christmas Fairs are the biggest and best seasonal shopping events in the North. Our exhibitors have been working hard to bring you the best unique gifts you just can’t find on the high street and plenty of bespoke gifts for everyone. Make a statement with handmade jewellery from Kate Seow and Daint Jewellery, whilst fashion fans in Newcastle will love natural leather bags from Artisan Stories and luxurious country knits and tweeds from Barkworth Reeve. In York, A Love and A Kiss will be selling a range of children’s toys and clothes, while Holly Bright’s greeting cards, prints and personalised Illustrations make an artsy and thoughtful present.
2. Food, Glorious Food
Our renowned Food Halls return in both Newcastle and York, packed with delicious goodies from producers you know and love, as well as some exciting new faces. From baked goods to pantry preserves, there’s a huge selection of fun foodie treats to help make your Christmas Day an extra special one. For the perfect end to your Christmas dinner, pick up an award-winning pudding from Burtree Puddings, and to help celebrate the season, stock up on boozy tipples with artisan spirits and brews from local favourites. Plus, our much-loved Chef’s Demonstration Kitchen returns to both racecourses for another year. Showcasing the best regional talent, watch as our chefs whip up dishes on our live kitchen stage and share their tips and tricks for how you can shine in your own kitchen. This year, head to Newcastle to join Dobson and Parnell’s Chef Patron Troy Terrington, who has gained an AA Rosette and inclusion in the Michelin Guide, or see Adam Maddock, from luxury wellness sanctuary Saltmoore, demonstrating his skills in York. Why not make a day of it and unwind in the bar or head to one of the on-site cafés to refuel if you get a little peckish?
3. Enjoy Live Music
What better way to get into the festive spirit? Live performances from local choirs and musicians will be the soundtrack to your shopping experience at Living North’s Christmas Fairs. The vibrant and ever-popular Rock Choir are also returning to keep you entertained with live music and sing-alongs – the perfect soundtrack to start the festivities.
4. Support Good Causes
Our chosen charities for this year’s Christmas Fairs are the Percy Hedley Foundation in the North East, and Candlelighters in Yorkshire. The Percy Hedley Foundation, established in 1953, offers a wide range of specialised services, including education, therapy, residential care and support services. Through their two schools, they provide tailored educational programmes in an inclusive environment, and their therapy services, which encompass speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy, aim to improve communication skills, mobility, and overall quality of life for those they serve. Candlelighters was formed more than 45 years ago and understands the complexities and impacts of a childhood cancer diagnosis, and their mission is to bring light to every family affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire by providing emotional, practical and financial support, as well as bringing hope, by investing in vital research to improve the outcomes and lives of children with cancer. By attending our Fairs, you can meet the charities, and help support them and their vital work in the North.
5. Booking Tickets is Easy!
Christmas Fair tickets are on sale now! Take advantage of our early-bird discounted ticket offer by booking in advance for a price of just £7 (usually £9 on the door). Book online or call 0191 261 8944.
