This November, the Queen Mary Centre (QMC) is set to spread festive cheer by hosing two fabulous community events. Each event is designed to support and celebrate local makers and small businesses and offer a headstart on your Christmas shopping. Both events offer free entry to visitors.

The festivities begin with a craft fair on Saturday 14th November. Doors are open from 10 am until 2 pm. Numerous vendors will be selling a wide variety of hand-crafted items, from upcycled vinyl records and eco resin castings to suncatchers, charms, earrings and bracelets. There will also be snuggle blankets and cushions, bespoke wall art, personalised gifts, cards and much more.

As the Christmas season draws nearer, the centre will sparkle with Christmas magic as it hosts a Christmas Market. With a completely new line-up of vendors to furnish visitors with festive delights including: personalised laser-cut gifts; local honey and beeswax candles; wines for Christmas and mulled wine; fresh meats; hats, shawls, jams and chutneys; mince pies; jewellery, watercolour paintings, crocheted toys and gifts; organic sourdough loaves; festive cakes; sloe gin and much more.

To keep visitors fueled, two gourmet food vans will be parked outside the Queen Mary Centre serving fresh crepes, barista-style coffee, gourmet burgers, and loaded fries.

For younger families, the highlight of the Christmas Market will be a special appearance by Santa Claus in his magical grotto. Children’s tickets cost £4, which includes a personal visit with Santa and a pick-and-mix sweets cone. Because Santa is highly sought after at this time of year, advance booking is essential.

Parents can book slots for the grotto by emailing QMCAdmin@ferryproject.org.uk or by calling the Queen Mary Centre directly on 01945 754080.