We're preparing to deck the halls for Food & Gift Fair 04 Oct

In 2015, the Food and Gift Fair attracted a record 8,000 people over the weekend, with local producers and exhibitors showcasing the best that Lincolnshire and further afield has to offer.

Jayne Southall, CEO of the Lincolnshire Showground, said: "We are now well into the preparations for the 16th Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair. The fair is a real feel good event that gets everyone in the Christmas spirit and I would encourage visitors to buy their advance tickets now.

"Christmas shoppers will have the opportunity to sample delicious produce, see a selection of festive cookery demonstrations and buy brilliant hand crafted gifts for their loved ones.

"We're also excited to announce that this year we are introducing our new Santa's Workshop area, which we've put together with our younger visitors in mind."

The new Santa's Workshop area will provide hours of entertainment to keep little shoppers entertained. Christmas storytelling, festive baking and hands on craft activities will see children writing letters to Father Christmas, Christmas tree decoration making, crafting festive decorations and more.

The area will also have specialised cookery workshops for children, led by Kiddy Cook. Children will be able to make tasty Christmas tree pizzas, Christmas pudding Rice Krispie cakes and melting snowmen biscuits.

Families will be able to take a break and hear talented storytellers Rhubarb Theatre relay an animated version of the popular Stick Man story, and finally meet Father Christmas himself when he arrives in his festive sleigh.

Spanning two exhibition halls, the event on 26 and 27 November attracts more than 150 food and gift stands showcasing the best Lincolnshire has to offer and is perfect for finding a unique gift before the mad Christmas shopping dash begins.

The fair is one of several events organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society across the year and organisers are preparing for the biggest and best Christmas extravaganza to date.

BeVox and Nettleham & Horncastle Community Choirs will also be performing across the weekend.

The Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair will take place with the new extended hours of 9am to 4pm on both days and offers free parking to all visitors.

Advanced tickets can now be bought online or over the phone at £5 each. Under 16's go free when accompanied by an adult. Please visit the Food & Gift mini-site or call 01522 522900 to book.