Escape the high street this Christmas, soak up the festive vibes, grab a bite to eat and enjoy a winter tipple as you shop with local producers and makers – offering tasty food and drink, handmade gifts and beautiful crafts.

With around 45 stalls, there’s plenty to choose from! Dorset Food & Drink are bringing together a fantastic collective of producers and makers with the buzz of a traditional market.

Sample and buy the finest food offerings – from artisan cheeses and handcrafted chocolates to freshly baked bread and locally distilled spirits. Many of them are award winning!

Alongside delicious food offerings you’ll find an array of artisan craft and houseware stalls, prefect for unique Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. There’s something for every budget.

Whilst browsing enjoy a chat with the passionate producers behind your favourite local products. Learn about their craft, inspiration and the stories that make each item unique. For the full line up of stallholders, take a look at the Dorset Food & Drink Facebook event

Set against the backdrop of Athelhampton’s timeless beauty, there will be live music to get you in a festive mood from the brilliant Barbara Gasior & Lodmoor Media at lunchtime on Saturday & Sunday. Dr Jazz will be playing on Saturday afternoon and Blue Bridge on Sunday morning.

Earlybird tickets now available: £5 per person (£7.50 on the Gate). Under 12’s free.

Booking in advance strongly advisable. Tickets available from www.athelhampton.com

Includes entry to the gardens and Great Hall.

The fair is held at Athelhampton House,  Puddletown, near Dorchester, a 15th Century Manor House, with stunning grade 1 listed architectural gardens.

Please call Caz Richards, Dorset Food and Drink Coordinator on 01305 228239.