Local traders wanted for New Forest Christmas Fair

Sept. 20, 2012 - PRLog -- From Saturday 8 to Sunday 9 December, New Park will be buzzing with visitors who will be buying their Forestry Commission Christmas trees, enjoying mulled wine or a hot chocolate and looking for great food and interesting or unusual presents.  
Already attending is The Garlic Farm from the Isle of Wight - which specialises in a large variety of garlic, oils and dressings - and the Drift Inn at Beaulieu which is proud to use local produce and showcases a varied menu including New Forest Marque ingredients.
Linda Applegate, Events Co-ordinator at The Garlic Farm, said: 'We have been coming to the New Forest Show for many years and we are looking forward to the opportunity to be part of the first  Christmas Fair.  It is a great location and we can't wait to showcase our brand new gift packs - new for this year is The Garlic Farm's garlic beer presentation pack, complete with a Garlic Farm branded pint glass - the perfect gift for a garlic or beer lover!’
Bethany Landa, from the Drift Inn, added: ‘We attended the New Forest Show for the first time this year and it was a great success. We look forward to being a part of the Fair and showcasing all the Christmas events we have going on. We will also be giving customers the chance to try some of our delicious homemade food – it will be a great, festive, weekend.’
‘Last year over 2,000 Christmas trees and holly wreaths were sold at New Park during December,’ said Sarah Hunt, New Forest Marque Manager and Fair co-ordinator. ‘We know that there will be lots of people buying Christmas trees, so New Park is guaranteed to be busy.
‘There is a brass band, carol singers and refreshments already lined up. We now want to get more local producers and craft makers involved to showcase the variety of Christmas food and gifts on offer in the New Forest National Park.’
Gary North, Recreation Manager at the Forestry Commission, said: ‘All of the Forestry Commission’s trees are grown especially for Christmas on plantations in the UK and more trees are planted every year than harvested. We guarantee a quality product and our helpful and expert team of staff will be on hand to help people choose and wrap their perfect tree to take home.’
If you are a trader and would like to be part of the Christmas Fair, visit http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/visiting/whats-on/christma... for contact details and application forms.

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Notes to Editors:
About the New Forest Marque® – a sign of quality

Managed by the New Forest National Park Authority the award scheme was created by New Forest Produce Limited to:

-give businesses a distinctive 'New Forest' banner under which to sell their goods and services and help customers identify quality New Forest produce
-encourage people to ‘buy local’ and reduce the environmental impact of  transporting food long distances
-help sustain the New Forest’s local economy by supporting local businesses and employment.

For more information on the New Forest Marque and its members visit http://www.newforestproduce.co.uk.

About the New Forest National Park Authority
Protect - Enjoy - Prosper
-The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:
-Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park -   Protect
-Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.

We also have a duty to:
Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.

The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.
Visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk to find out more.

Media Contacts:
Karen Evans-McDaid, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans-mcdaid@newforestnpa.gov.uk