Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair - everything you need to know for a magical festive weekend 24 Nov
With just over a week to go, the Lincolnshire Showground is busy decking its halls and getting into the Christmas spirit, ready to welcome visitors back for the first Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair since 2019.
As one of the biggest food and gift fairs in the county, the fair will celebrate its 20th event by welcoming visitors over two days and showcasing a range of delicious treats and spellbinding gift ideas. The fair will bring together in excess of 100 food, gift and craft exhibitors with free fun festive entertainment for all the family, and demonstrations by top local chefs and producers – all celebrating the very best that Lincolnshire has to offer.
What is the Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair?
Held at the Lincolnshire Showground, the two-day magical event will be marking its 20th event this winter and will see an impressive variety of food, gift and craft exhibitors, fun and educational activities for children, and demonstrations by top local chefs and producers.
Taking place on Saturday 27 November and Sunday 28 November, doors will be open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and from 9am to 4pm on Sunday.
The Food and Gift Fair is one of several showstopping events organised by the Lincolnshire Agriculture Society, a registered charity whose aims are to educate visitors about food, farming and the countryside.
What can visitors expect this year?
The fair has something for everyone, with food and gift producers providing a kaleidoscope of colours and flavours for the senses, highlighting the best Lincolnshire produce and products available. Visitors will be able to fill their boots with everything from unique gins to a curated selection of retro hand-picked designer clothing.
Jayne Southall, CEO at Lincolnshire Showground, said: “We are so pleased to be welcoming guests back for the Food and Gift Fair in a matter of days. The event is set to offer the perfect burst of Christmas spirit that we all need to kick off the festive season.
“There’s something to suit everyone and serves as a great opportunity to celebrate and showcase the very best producers in Lincolnshire, with visitors able to sample everything from pork pies and specialty cheese to bespoke crafted gifts.”
With more than 30 brand-new exhibitors, it’s promising to be an exciting – and likely the best - return to the Showground for the fair. For those looking for a unique Christmas gift, be sure to check out what artistic and creative products can be found at Art Monster Studios, The March Hare and Vivified Ceramics.
Foodies should look out for Tiffin & Co Bakehouse, Fudged Up, and The Oink Company, who will be providing some of the tastiest and handmade treats available. The ever-popular cookery demonstrations in the Lincolnshire Kitchen are introducing two new hosts this year: Fiona Lucas from Lincolnshire Cookery School and Anis Falina from Makan Bites.
Alongside this, there will be plenty of activities to keep little ones busy. The famous Santa’s Workshop area will be ready to provide hours of free entertainment, including new additions – interactive Christmas sessions provided by Debutots and cake decorating hosted by The Back Garden Bakery.
Santa’s Baking House will feature cookery workshops from Treats, Sweets & Eats, 42nd East Bakehouse and Riseholme College.
Making sure to pass on the festive spirit far and wide, Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair’s Toy Appeal will also be returning after its success in 2019. Visitors are asked to bring an unwrapped toy or gift and place it in the provided Santa’s sack, all of which will be donated to the Bridge Church to support the local community this Christmas.
Are there any changes to the event post-Covid?
This year’s fair will be hosted between the EPIC Centre and an outdoor marquee. There will be plenty of undercover outdoor seating available near the catering concessions and performance area.
Jayne said: “Being one of the most popular festive events in the county and being the event’s 20th outing, we wanted to ensure that we are able to operate at our normal attendance levels, with additional safety measures.
“The health and safety of all our visitors has always been a priority, but after the past 18 months, it is central to our offering. We will be continually monitoring both government guidelines on managing events and our safety procedures in the run-up to the event.”
How much are tickets and parking?
Tickets for the Fair can be bought online for £5 each (plus booking fee) in advance and are valid for either day of the event. Tickets will be available on the gate for £6 each.
Under 5’s go free when accompanied by an adult.
Visitors will have access to free parking.
Tickets can be bought online at https://lincolnshireshowground.co.uk/food-gift
Is the Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair suitable for people with mobility issues?
The Showground has disabled toilet facilities and lift access to the first floor of the Epic Centre. The event is held indoors and on hard standing so is suitable for visitors with mobility issues.
Can I bring my dog?
As this event is held indoors, we only permit entry for assistance dogs.
Please visit https://lincolnshireshowground.co.uk/food-gift or call 01522 522900 for further details.
