Elham to bring artisan and local produce to Christmas market

There will be a range of entertainment, with troubadours, a children's costume parade led by actor Pam Ferris, a raffle and lots of stalls selling local food and hand-made gifts.

The event will take place in the village's ancient square.

Food on offer includes Christmas cakes and Kentish cheese, local cider and bread, game and meat, vegetables and cobnut biscuits.

Inside the church there will be traders offering hand-made gifts which have all been locally produced and using local materials wherever possible.

It is the first time the church will be used as part of the market.

Elham Food Festival and Market manager Julie Woodgate said: “We're delighted that so many of our regular traders are returning once more, but we're also welcoming new traders to add to the diversity of goods.

“And I'm sure our raffle will be very popular, as the first prize is a KitchenAid food processor worth about £400 in the shops.”

Throughout the market shoppers will be entertained by singing pilgrims duo Hayward and Parsons.

Elham resident and actor Pam Ferris will bring her own brand of fun and merriment as she leads village children through the market for a costume parade.

Julie Woodgate said: “You can't beat the quality, freshness and seasonality provided by our small-scale producers, the homemade pies, tasty cheeses and unusual meat like wild venison and pigeon.

“What's more, the event is a real community affair, run by local people, with the church doing the teas, the pub running the bar, local crafts people showing their skills and musicians providing entertainment. It should be a great day out in a beautiful setting.”

Elham Christmas food festival and gift market takes place at Elham Square on December 14 at 12 until 3.30pm

27/11/2014