We are the proud sponsors of the brand new Buriton Christmas Fair. Held on November 6 at the Manor Barn, it is the perfect place to find that special gift

Forget sifting through online sites and elbowing shoppers on the high street, finding the perfect Christmas gift can be an enjoyable experience if you’re willing to go for something a little more unique.

Deep in the stunning South Downs right on the popular Hangers Way, is the picturesque village of Buriton - home to the gorgeous Manor Barn. After undergoing a vast refurbishment, the unique venue will be holding its first Christmas Fair for visitors to come and experience a festive atmosphere in which to hunt for gifts.

Sisters Marcelle Delahaye-Camping and Gemma Delahaye have been working tirelessly for the past six months to bring together some of the country’s best makers, artists and producers to offer a unique selection of artisan gift ideas.

Not content with just providing a festive service for the local area and beyond, Marcelle and Gemma have pledged to donate 100% of profits made on the day to a charity close to their heart, Liberty’s Children Home. Marcelle tells us more: “I set up the Liberty Foundation back in 2002 after volunteering at a children’s home in Belize. I went on to do some training in an orphanage in Hungary and then went back to Belize and realised there was a real need for a well run children’s home. My sister and I set up the charity in Belize and in the UK to raise the initial donations to start building, and we’ve just continued it ever since. The centre now acts as a foster home and we have around 40 children currently; some children have been adopted, and others have been there since we first opened.”

Having recently moved from London to Buriton to take over the Manor House, Marcelle has enjoyed working on something that will bring the community closer together. In the past, Marcelle and Gemma have always organised a Charity Ball to raise funds for the Liberty Foundation, but this year the Christmas Fair will be taking its place.

On the day you can expect to find over 70 handpicked stalls including regional food and drink, children’s toys, unique handmade gifts and jewellery, luxury clothing and accessories for the home. Add that to an array of delicious food and refreshments as well as family entertainment, and you’ll be hard-pushed to come away empty handed.

Marcelle adds: “We’ve got lots of exciting businesses that will be joining us on the day including Ecolife Luxury, who will be putting together unique hampers full of local produce and sustainable products; and new Petersfield restaurant Fork Handles Kitchen will be supplying the catering in our mini restaurant. There will also be a pop-up tea room, hog roast, music and more. This is something fresh and vibrant for the whole family so we hope to see you there.”

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Pay a visit

Buriton Christmas Fair will take place on November 6 from 11am to 8pm.

The Manor House, Buriton, Petersfield, GU31 5RT

Tickets are £6 and can be brought on the door. Children go free and all the money raised on the day will go straight to Liberty Foundation.

The Auction

There is still some time to bid on some of the fantastic prizes up for grabs at the Buriton Christmas Fair Charity Auction. From VIP tickets to The Masters to a one week stay in a ski chalet, treat yourselves or a loved one and raise money for abused and abandoned children in Belize. Visit www.buritonchristmasfair.com to place an online bid and to see the full list of lots. Bidding closes on November 5.

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