AFTER a gap of two years, the popular Romsey Abbey Christmas Fair is returning and will have a wide range of stalls as it has in the past.

The fair has been an annual feature in the Abbey’s calendar for at least 25 years and as well as being a community event, it is a significant fundraiser in the area.

Like many events, last year’s Abbey Fair was a casualty of the global pandemic.

The Fair can return this year but there will be the some Covid safety measures in place.

The fair will be opened at 10am on November 27 by the Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Mark Cooper with Mayor of Romsey, Cllr Karen Dunleavy and the Vicar of Romsey Abbey, The Reverend Thomas Wharton.

The Romsey Town Crier, Terry Hamer will be there to assist along with hand bells rung by the Romsey Abbey Bell Ringers.

To keep in theme with the festive spirit, mulled wine and mince pies will be served and people can sample the cooking of the Abbey caterers including homemade cakes and biscuits to go with morning coffee and homemade soup and freshly cut sandwiches for lunch.

Reverend Thomas Wharton said: “we are so pleased to be able to welcome members of the community back to our abbey fair and it’s great to have the excuse to get the Christmas jumpers out early! “

The Romsey Abbey C of E Primary School choir, under the direction of Marion Maxey, will provide entertainment. Mrs Maxey said: “we are hoping that lots of people will come along to listen to the choir – we always enjoy singing at the Abbey Christmas Fair.”

The fair’s organiser, Liz Wagner said “The Abbey Fair is always the ideal place for Christmas shopping. Stalls will include homemade preserves, bread, and cakes along with a very well-stocked book stall. Christmas decorations, framed pictures, a soft toy tombola, a bottle tombola, jewellery, cards, stationery, and this year will include a range of items from the Abbey Gift Shop.

“There will be lots of toys and games on sale too. The Abbey Fair is always a happy occasion with the stalls organised and run by members of the Abbey congregation - it’s such a wonderful team effort and there will be something for all ages with lots of bargains – it’s so great that it’s back.”

The Abbey Christmas Fair will be held in the Crosfield Hall on Saturday 27th November from 10am until 2.00pm.

Admission charge is £1 for adults, children are free.

All proceeds will go to the abbey funds.