Festive cheer was in abundance at the Farnham Christmas Market on Sunday.
Organised by Farnham Town Council, an estimated 15,000 people turned out to enjoy the experience of being able to meander around 200 festive market stalls in a traffic-free town centre.
Farnham’s giant market place stretched from Castle Street to The Borough and included The Bush Hotel courtyard, conference room and car park.
There was a great variety of products on sale ranging from quality Christmas decorations, gifts and homeware to clothing and accessories and food and drink.
Councillor Jill Hargreaves, Lead Member for Tourism and Events said: “This was the biggest market we have ever hosted: it was remarkable to see the town so busy with shoppers. Many people were heard remarking on the quality of goods on offer and appreciated the effort stallholders had made to decorate their stalls. As you would expect from a town that excels in customer service, our resident retailers gave shoppers a very warm welcome too. I’m proud to have experienced such a happy community spirit and can quite see why Farnham was recently crowned as one of the happiest places to live in Britain.”
Throughout the day, shoppers could take a break from the shopping by pausing for refreshments at one of the many catering stalls or enjoy a varied programme of live entertainment, including a Live Nativity, Santa’s Grotto and a Fun Fair. Six local artists performed on the stage in The Borough while Farnham Assist could be heard carol singing by St Georges Yard, and Farnham Brass Band played in the Lion and Lamb Yard while also collecting money for the Mayor’s charity.
Simon Essex from the Patio Black Spot Removal Company is the Principal sponsor of Christmas in Farnham 2018 and says: “There was such a fantastic atmosphere in Farnham on Sunday. We have been doing business in the area for over 30 years and loved having the opportunity to be amongst so many customers, residents and visitors.
“Events such as the Christmas Market are great for supporting the local economy and I hope businesses enjoyed a welcome boost to their day’s trading figures. I also hope that having experienced Farnham at its absolute best, visitors will soon return to continue enjoying the wonderful range of independent businesses and entertainment that is regularly on offer.”
The Christmas Market was also supported by gold sponsors Kidd Rapinet, Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society and Wiltshire and Sons. The Duke of Cambridge and Bloom restaurant were bronze sponsors.
There will be one last opportunity for shoppers to buy direct from the producer on Sunday 23 December at the Farnham Farmers’ Market. From 10am to 1.30pm, over 30 stallholders will attend the regular monthly market selling a range of everyday and festive treats.
