ONE of Teesside’s largest Christmas markets is helping raise money to buy Advent calendars for children whose families rely on food banks.
The Frost Fayre at Stewart Park on Sunday (December 2) features more than 60 stalls brimming with locally produced food and drink, arts and crafts, a Santa’s Grotto, carol singing from Caedmon Primary School choir, street-food, circus skills, face-painting and entertainment from singer Stevie D.
Northern Dales Farmers’ Market – the organisation behind the Frost Fayre – is supporting an Advent Appeal launched by Hartlepool schoolboy Ben Cooper.
So far the market organisation has raised £120 for the appeal and the Frost Fayre on Sunday is expected to further boost the funds.
Nigel Davison, market manager, (pictured with stallholder Jane Harris from the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Company) said: “Ben’s selfless appeal for advent calendars for disadvantaged youngsters touched our hearts.
“As the Frost Fayre is our largest event of the year and our customers are a generous lot, we thought it was the ideal opportunity to help Ben in his fundraising efforts.”
Collection tins will be on various stalls at the Frost Fayre allowing customers to make a cash donation. If anyone would prefer to donate an Advent Calendar there will be a drop-off point at the face-painting tent.
The Frost Fayre takes place in and around the Askham Bryan College site, which sits at the centre of Stewart Park. The event kicks off at 9am and ends at 3pm.