New Forest Eats ‘n’ Treats Christmas shopping and entertainment event at Brockenhurst College in association with Go New Forest and New Forest Marque – Sunday 17 Nov, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Winners of hit Channel 4 show Aldi’s Next Big Thing – The Fabulous Catch Company – will be among the entrepreneurs at Brockenhurst College’s big Christmas shopping and entertainment event – New Forest Eats ‘n’ Treats.
And a chef who once cooked for the late Queen will top the bill of leading chefs hosting demonstrations in the college’s fine dining restaurant kitchen, which transforms into a culinary theatre.
Support your local community and shop local produce
Between 11:00am and 4:00pm, 73 stall holders will show and sell goods, which will include food & drink and arts & crafts items, making this year’s event the biggest ever.
Christmas shoppers can browse and purchase an array of unique, locally-produced, artisan products, as well as enjoy a mix of lively entertainment.
The festive bash, which is open to the general public, will be staged once again this year in association with New Forest Marque and Go New Forest.
Stalls will set up in the College’s Main Hall and cafeteria, while mobile catering outlets, serving a wide variety of hot food, will set up on the nearby Staff Lawn.
Hot food vendors will comprise Mexicali (Mexican), Tipsy Toastie (toasties and hot dogs), Arty Stan Pizza (Italian), Vaigai (Indian), Braai-B-Que (BBQ), Waffaholic (bubble waffles and crumble).
Meanwhile, a licensed bar run by Pig Beer will be on-hand to bring added Christmas cheer by meeting the needs of thirsty shoppers.
Enjoy live music and family fun
Live music will come courtesy of student performers and well-known local singer/songwriter Carley Varley, as well as New Forest Rock Choir.
In addition, a wishing tree, plus Christmas decoration-making and writing-to-Santa activities, will be available to keep children amused.
There will also be a raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses including Marwell Zoo, Paultons Park, Careys Manor and Cycle Experience.
Watch fantastic culinary demos
Showcasing his cooking skills in the culinary theatre will be Dylan James, who is the new Head Chef at Careys Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst.
He cooked for the late Queen and other royals when he worked at the famous The Goring Hotel in London’s Belgravia.
Other cooking demonstrations will be performed by Neal Jepson, Head Chef of New Park Manor, and Dylan’s Careys Manor colleague, Sous Chef Louis Haynes.
Brockenhurst College's event gets bigger and better
Head of Marketing and Communications at Brockenhurst College, Rebekah Donawa, said: “Eats ‘n’ Treats is one of the biggest public events in the Brock calendar, and this year we have even more stallholders than ever before.
“Over the last six years, this festive community gathering has grown into an even more varied and enjoyable pre-Christmas family day out, with something for everyone.”
Onsite parking will be provided without charge, while entry will cost £2.00 for adults and children under 16 will be welcomed FREE.
There is no need to book in advance – visitors can just turn up on the day.
Please note that Brockenhurst College is a smoke-free, vape-free, dog-free zone.