Christmas shopping event Eats ‘n’ Treats will be held at Brockenhurst College

CHRISTMAS shoppers can kickstart the festivities at Brockenhurst College this weekend at its annual New Forest Eats ‘n’ Treats event.

The annual indoor market, now in its fifth year, is being run by the college in association with Go New Forest and New Forest Marque, and organisers are promising it will be the biggest yet.

Shoppers can browse 70 stalls run by popular local producers at the event on Sunday 19th November between 11am and 4pm.

Along with a variety of unique, artisan products, including food and drink and arts and crafts, visitors can enjoy a mix of lively entertainment, street food and a bar run by PIG BEER.

Live music by student performers and Southampton Ukulele Jam will be spreading some Christmas cheer, and for children there will be face painting, Christmas decoration-making and Santa activities.

Cookery demonstrations by top local chefs and producers will also feature, set to take place in the college’s fine dining restaurant, MJ’s.

These will be led by Balmer Lawn Hotel’s senior sous chef, Callum Jellicoe; Joshua Palmer from Rhinefield House Hotel; and New Forest Collection head chef Darren Lunn.

Brockenhurst College commis chef apprentice Darragh Ryan, who participated in BBC One’s MasterChef: The Professionals last month, will also showcase his culinary skills.

Head of marketing and communications at Brockenhurst College, Rebekah Donawa, said: “Eats ‘n’ Treats has grown bigger and better every year, with both traders and the public thrilled that the college wants to serve its wider community by staging this event.

“It’s an ideal opportunity to sample outstanding local produce, enjoy live music, watch expert demonstrations, and also pick up unique Christmas gifts that you won’t see in the shops.”

Producers at the event include The New Forest Tartan Company, Bath Bomb Boutique, SenSpa, Watsons of Norleywood, Mumma Lou-Lou’s, Kate Smith Prints and Coco & Glow Ltd.

Food vans and producers will include The Bao Beast, Arty-Stan Pizza, The Tipsy Toasty, Dotti Biscotti, Naked Jam, Fordingbridge Fudge, New Forest Shortbread, Beaky Blinders, Dorset Vegan Pantry and the New Forest Fruit Company.

Entry for adults costs £2, and under-16s go free. Onsite parking is available.

There is no need to book in advance – visitors can just turn up on the day.