Christmas shoppers flocked in their droves to Farnham’s Christmas Market on Sunday (12 December) in search of unusual and handmade gifts, stocking fillers and locally sourced products. As well as over 130 stalls, residents and visitors enjoyed the festivities, including a mini fairground and live music.

Councillor Pat Evans, Lead Member for Tourism and Leisure says: “It was wonderful to welcome back the Christmas Market to Farnham and enjoy the buzz emanating from excited families and people doing their Christmas shopping while enjoying a cup of steaming hot mulled wine or snacks of freshly prepared street food.

“In light of the current COVID situation and in line with government guidance, we made some changes to the layout and market arrangements. We had fewer stalls to create more space to move around, volunteers gave out face masks and we encouraged people to sanitise their hands and keep their distance where possible.”

Children visited Father Christmas in his grotto to share their Christmas wishes, gazed in wonder at stilt-walkers and had their faces painted for free at The Bush Hotel. Little ones also saw the Christmas story come to life at a live nativity featuring Joseph and Mary, donkeys, sheep and goats. Performances from local musicians and choirs added to the seasonal atmosphere.  

Throughout the day, a collective of town criers from neighbouring towns announced a competition to find a new town crier for Farnham. The competition will open in January 2022. Anybody who is interested in applying should email customer.services@farnham.gov.uk.

Councillor Evans continues: “For local retailers, the market brings lots of people into the town who might otherwise not visit frequently, giving our shopkeepers and small businesses a welcome boost. I’d like to thank all the shoppers who came out to support the town, all our wonderful traders and stallholders and our sponsors, Farnham Veterinary Hospital, Kidd Rapinet and Abbeyfield whose backing made the market such a great day out. I would also like to thank Branston Adams for sponsoring Santa’s Grotto and to The Gorge for providing refreshments for the volunteers.”

The market was largely accommodated in Castle Street and The Borough, both of which were closed to traffic, as well as the Conservative Club in Ivy Lane. With the Farmers’ Market taking place on the same day, many shoppers were also able to purchase their Christmas food, festive drinks, treats and trees as well as gifts.