More than 5,000 people attended the Shropshire Handmade and Vintage Christmas Fair at Shrewsbury-based caravan and motorhome dealership, Salop Leisure to make the weekend event a resounding success.

The attendance was double last’s year total prompting Carrie Hughes to announce that it was her most successful fair she has organised since setting up Shropshire Handmade and Vintage. 

The 51 stalls sold a wide range of handmade and vintage craft and giftware from Shropshire and the borders as the fair filled the showroom and a marquee. 

“The fair was a huge success for stallholders, Salop Leisure and me,” she said. “We have had nothing but positive feedback from the stallholders and visitors.

“I hope to work with Salop Leisure to further improve the event next year to continue its success. Because Salop Leisure has grown from a small company to success it is today, they appreciate that we are supporting local businesses.”

She said Salop Leisure’s decision to open Santa’s grotto and decorate the showroom on a Christmas theme worked perfectly with the fair and bellringers and carol singers provided festive entertainment. 

Salop Leisure’s chairman Tony Bywater said the weekend attendance was one of the highest for any event held at the company’s headquarters.  The company’s Love Coffee restaurant enjoyed record weekend takings and Love Plants was delighted with plant sales and orders taken for Christmas trees, wreaths and table decorations.

More than 200 children paid a visit to Santa’s grotto over the weekend and elves read stories to those waiting patiently in the queue.

“We are delighted that the fair attracted so many people into the business and that everyone seemed to have such a good time,” added Mr Bywater. “This is a good example of Shropshire companies working together to boost business in the run up to the festive season.

“We are determined to give families and their young children a magical Christmas experience when they visit Salop Leisure.

The grotto will be open every weekend in the run up to Christmas and from December 21-24. The Salvation Army Band will be playing Christmas Carols at Salop Leisure on December 4 and 11.