A record 15,333 people attended this year’s Shropshire Handmade and Vintage Christmas Fair hosted by Shrewsbury-based caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure last weekend.
The popular annual event, which had been sold out to exhibitors since July, coincided with the launch of Salop Leisure’s busy programme of Christmas activities, including the opening of Santa’s grotto and an ice rink, which were both busy.
Fair organiser Carrie Hughes, owner of Shropshire Handmade and Vintage and Pink Pebble Events, said some of the 60 exhibitors reported their best ever weekend of trading and many were forced to make new stock after virtually selling out on the first day.
“For small businesses, it’s amazing to do that amount of trade in a weekend,” she said. “This is the fourth time we have held the Christmas fair at Salop Leisure and it was definitely the biggest and best so far.
“Some traders contacted me on Sunday night and Monday morning wanting to book their space for 2018. The event is so well established that the traders know they are going to have the footfall over the weekend.”
Ed Glover, Salop Leisure’s marketing manager, was delighted with the weekend success and said the event was an excellent example of Shropshire companies working together to boost business in the run up to the festive season.
He is hoping for a similarly busy day on Sunday when the company hosts its first ever Santa Dash. Around 300 people in Santa costumes will be taking part in the family event, which is being supported by Rybrook MINI Shrewsbury and Love Fitness.
Runners will have the option to run or walk one or two laps of the 2.5 kilometre course around Salop Leisure and the Love2Stay resort. A £10 entry fee includes a Santa suit and all the money raised will be donated to Severn Hospice. Entries will be taken up until the event, details of which can be found atwww.salopsantarun.co.uk.
For full details of the Salop Leisure’s Christmas events programme, visit www.salopchristmas.co.uk
