An annual Christmas fair is being held in Carlisle this week to help the NSPCC protect more children in Cumbria from abuse and neglect.
The Gold, Frankincense and More Christmas Fair will take place at The Shepherds, in Rosehill, tomorrow and on Thursday (November 21 and 22).
At the event, which has been running for 15 years, there will be independent pop-up shops selling a wide range of products, including knitwear, jewellery, traditional toys and Christmas decorations and cards. There will also be a food hall with speciality foods and wines on sale.
Juliet Westoll, who organises the fair, said: “You’ll be able to find something for even the most hard-to-buy-for person. It really is a unique and wonderful opportunity to do all your Christmas shopping under one roof in a festive party atmosphere.
“It is once again raising much needed funds for the children’s charity NSPCC, specifically in Cumbria. Last year’s Fair raised over £12,000 for the charity.”
On Wednesday, the fair will be open from 5.30pm until 8pm, with tickets costing £7, and this will include a large glass of sparkling wine and nibbles, plus free re-entry to the fair the following day. On Thursday, it will open from 10am to 3.30pm and tickets will cost £4.
All proceeds from ticket sales and 10 per cent of all stallholders’ takings will go to the NSPCC. The charity will also have a stall, selling cakes and Christmas cards, and there will be a tombola and raffle.
Last week, the NSPCC launched its ‘Light For Every Childhood’ Christmas Appeal to raise awareness of child neglect – the most common type of abuse affecting children in the UK.
In 2017/18 the Helpline dealt with almost 20,000 calls and emails about child neglect – a third of all contacts to the NSPCC. During this period, calls led to more than 100 referrals to police, child protection agencies and the local authority in Cumbria.
The NSPCC Christmas Appeal is calling for donations to the NSPCC Helpline – which is open throughout the holidays – so they can answer more calls and help children suffering neglect both at Christmas and all year round.
Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email [email protected]
