Exceptional range of local traders confirmed for Connaught@Christmas

With two months to go before opening day, over 40 local and independent traders have already signed up for this year’s Connaught@Christmas illuminated gardens event in Sidmouth which runs from December 9 to 18.

As before, the traders will be based in the Food & Drink Village, sited in a marquee at Manor Road car park opposite the illuminations in Connaught Gardens. While the gardens are ticketed, the Village is free to enter so people can visit as often as they like during the 10 day run.

In charge of organising all the traders, who are from Sidmouth, East Devon or the wider West Country is Laura Mead. She said: “We’re so pleased that many of the traders from last year wanted to come again this year, and that we have been able to add new ones to the mix, too.

“Several are changing over half-way through freshening up the choice of products and gifts as the event progresses. This will be the perfect opportunity to buy beautiful and quirky goods that you won’t find in the shops and to enjoy some great food and drink with family and friends – all while supporting local independents.”

Laura’s own bespoke cakemaking business Angelchops will be in the marquee during the first week followed by the very popular Brown's Bakery. Other traders include Samphire Jewellery, Ed’s Fudge, Kilimanjaro Candles, Pebble Studio, Ebb Tides, I Made This and artisan spirit producers Cornish Rum, Devon Cove vodka and Exmouth’s Bar Buoy which makes delicious pre-mixed cocktails. Local professional photographer Kyle Baker will be selling his gorgeous images, whilst also documenting the event.

A choice of gifts for four-legged friends are available too, with lovely accessories from Dog and Coast and quality homemade dog treats from Sidmouth-based Coastal Canines. “This year dogs are to be allowed into the gardens as well as the marquee, on the understanding that they are kept on a lead,” says Laura.

For those who fancy trying their hand at some Christmas crafts, Something Lovely Pottery will be returning with their mobile pottery painting studio, whilst Easterhill Herbs and Willow will be offering Willow Wreath Workshops (bookable in advance through their Facebook page @easterhillnursery) and drop-in Christmas decoration making for adults and children.

There are even more food and drink vendors this year with choices for all appetites and dietary requirements including vegan offerings from Cafe Dish, the popular World Foods with their delicious wraps and salads, Sidmouth's very own Westcountry Dim Sum, Buono Pizza and Pizza Butlers and The Churros Co, with Ventons Cyder, New Devon Brewing and Van Vino all making a return visit.

A full list visit of traders and food vendors will soon be available on the Connaught@Christmas website where tickets for the illuminations can also be purchased. Ticket prices are £5 per child (under 2s free), £9.50 for an adult and £25 for a family of four, plus a small booking fee.