Leadenham to come alive with Christmas spirit as locals join forces to hold a new event
The village of Leadenham will come alive with Christmas spirit as locals join forces to host a new Christmas event.
Mr William Reeve, of Leadenham Estate, has teamed up with Katie Mace and Kirsty Kershaw, owners of Leadenham Teahouse, and Tom Lane, one of the organisers of Leadenham Folk Festival, to host the first Leadenham Christmas Fair.
It will be held on Sunday November 24 at the Leadenham House Stables.
The stables at Leadenham House, built for General John Reeve in 1825, have never been open to the public before, so this will also be an opportunity for the public to hear all about the hall’s rich history.
After the success of Leadenham Folk Festival, Mr Reeve discussed the possibility of running more events in the village, and a Christmas fair seemed like the perfect event.
There will be a festive-themed artisan market, with more than 100 stalls run by local businesses, as well as plenty of hot food and drink, including mulled wine, and live music throughout the day.
Mr Reeve said: “We have already got 100 stalls booked and room for more, have filled the stables and the quad area, and we are hoping it will spill out all into the grounds, so we hope it is going to be a Christmas village.”
Kirsty Kershaw, co-owner of Leadenham Teahouse said: “We continue to be passionate about rural diversification and small business.
“So we are truly delighted to be part of the regeneration of Leadenham House and Stables.
“The upcoming events will showcase small business and the arts in a spectacular historic place of interest.
“Leadenham House is such an integral part of the history of Leadenham and it is so exciting to allow the public to enjoy its splendour.
“The diversification of the estate is crucial to the rural economic development of the local area.”
Co-owner Katie Mace said: “We are delighted to be involved in this new Christmas event and excited to work with Leadenham Estate to boost rural tourism here.”
“Leadenham Teahouse first opened to increase footfall to the Post Office counter. So far this has been successful and our next goal is to really put Leadenham on the map.
“We are hoping to do this with more events and working together as a community.”
Leadenham Estate has more exciting news coming as the stables and house is set to be renovated into a living museum and gallery of local and family history.
Mr Reeve is currently conducting in-depth research into his family and the village’s history to create information for the new museum.
The restoration programme will be launched early next year.
To ask about having a stall at Leadenham Christmas Fair, or for more information, contact Mr Reeve on 07810 825 697 or email williamreeve@leadenhamestate.com
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