Thousands expected at popular pre-Christmas shopping fair in Salisbury
The Rockbourne Fair opens later this week atSalisbury Racecourse
A popular pre-Christmas shopping fair is returning to Salisbury later this week.
The Rockbourne Fair, which helps generate funds for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital's charity, is expected to welcome thousands of people to Salisbury Racecourse from Wednesday to Friday.
It's a crucial event in boosting the charity towards its target of raising £2million a year to support new and ongoing projects across the hospital.
Last year, a record £62,000 was raised by the fair.
Stars Appeal's Events and Fundraising Manager, Helena Sinclair, told us it's a special event thanks to the variety of unique items on offer from the more than 100 stalls.
"I think that is one of the things that people come back here on year for is because they have the opportunity to find those goods and those gifts that that you just you just wouldn't find on the High Street
"People have put in a lot of love and care into making that their goods. It offers something for everybody," she said.
30% of this years stalls are brand new to the event, with Helena telling us it's vital to keep the event fresh for people who return year on year.
Among the new additions this year is an outdoor sourdough pizza van, which is likely to see a high level of custom on Thursday, when the event is open until 7.30pm.
The Fair comes off the back of a record-breaking Walk for Wards event in July.
Helena told is it's a "fantastic feeling" that people are still finding ways to support charities like the Stars Appeal, despite their own challenges in day-to-day lfie.
"It enables us to do so much and raising £2,000,000 really does have such an impact to the services and the projects that we can provide here at the hospital.
"Whether that is things like free patient clothing, if somebody comes in an emergency or simple things like a toiletry pack so you can feel human and actually have a shower or clean your teeth
"Then there is free Wi-Fi, tea trolleys, things that are everyday essentials for people that are coming into hospital."
The Fair opens at 10am on Wednesday 15th, with entry costing £6. Parking at the Racecourse is free.
Dates & Times:
• Wednesday 15th October: 10am - 5.30pm
• Thursday 16th October: 10am - 7.30pm (Late-Night Shopping)
• Friday 17th October: 10am - 3pm