Artisan market to open with chalet-style huts

A NEW Christmas market will be held in Henley from Tuesday.

Henley Town Council has collaborated with The Creative Duck to host 10 chalet-style huts in Market Place for stall holders to sell to visitors until December 22.

It will coincide with the charter market and farmer markets which will operate stalls alongside the chalets.

The charter market will be in Market Place on December 12, while the farmer’s market will be held on December 14, the craft market on December 15 and a combined farmers’ and charter market on December 19.

There will be special appearances from Father Christmas on December 11 and 12 and a visit from the Grinch on December 21.

A Christmas choir will perform on the town hall steps on December 15 and December 22.

Nicola Nott, co-founder of the Creative Duck, said: “Curating the market was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our thriving local community of artisans and makers.

“We’ve focused on creating a diverse line-up of sellers, with an emphasis on unique and exciting gifts from homewares to jewellery and more.”

Sellers will operate on rotation and there will be more than 50 artisans and makers participating. Goods being sold will include handmade crafts and gifts, Christmas decorations and food.

Paul Carey, the town centre manager, said: “Bringing alpine chalets to Henley is a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season.

“It’s a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to explore creative, original gifts in addition to the fantastic high street.”

For more information about Henley’s alpine Christmas market and a guide to the 13-day event, visit thecreativeduck.co.uk
/henley-christmas-market

Meanwhile, the annual Christmas toy run from Henley to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford will take place on Sunday, December 15.

Volunteers on motorbikes will drive donated toys to the hospital, first meeting at the town hall at 8.30am before setting off at 9am.

There is a drop-off point for donations at the town hall and the Tesco supermarket in Reading Road, which is also sponsoring the run.

The donations will be given to sick children at the John Radcliffe and is being supported by the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The run is being organised by the Gainsborough Residents’ Association, which is chaired by town councillor David Eggleton, who will be one of the motorcyclists.