Festive fun for families

Cleveleys mum Cate McNeal is on a mission to bring some real festive cheer to Wyre.
Cate McNeal, who is organising a Christmas FairCate McNeal, who is organising a Christmas Fair
Cate McNeal, who is organising a Christmas Fair

As she appreciates it can be tricky for busy families to travel all the way to Manchester for the Christmas markets, she wants to create something similar on the Fylde coast.

She has organised a special event for people to browse more than 80 stalls, do their Christmas shopping, enjoy festive food and drink, and raise money and donate goods to Care and Share Blackpool, which helps families and individuals in need.

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There will also be craft tables for children to keep them entertained while their parents shop.

The event will take place on Sunday, November 27, between noon and 4pm, at the YMCA Main Hall, in Thornton.

Cate, who runs Cheeki Monkeys nearly new baby’s and children’s items sales, said: “I’ve been running Cheeki Monkeys for about 18 months in the area and having listened to other mums and stall-holders, there seems to be a gap when it comes to Christmas shopping. Cleveleys doesn’t have any specialist toy or traditional gift shops.

“I have a two-year-old myself and know it’s not always possible to travel to Manchester to visit the Christmas markets.

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“So this is a Christmas market to rival the Manchester Christmas markets, but here in Wyre – with the hope of helping local people do their shopping, without the inconvenience of travelling miles, plus we are aiming to keep money in the local area.

“It’s going to be really diverse, with more than 80 stalls booked. There will be gift ideas for all the family and to suit every budget.

“We are aiming to offer something for everyone, a whole range of stalls and gifts, as well as festive food and drink, plus free car parking. We will be raising money and collecting items for Care and Share Blackpool, which makes such a big difference to local families, especially at Christmas.

“We are providing craft tables for the children, to give them something to keep them entertained while their parents look around the stalls.

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“And the venue has a bowling alley and so on, so families could really make a day of it.”

Stalls will include toys, jewellery, crystals, candles, cakes, perfumes, cosmetics, photographic gifts, art and stocking fillers.”

The event is £1 entry for adults and free for children. Email [email protected]