Balderton Salvation Army's first Christmas fair a 'massive success'

A charity Christmas fair is set to become an annual event after a successful first year.

The Balderton Salvation Army Christmas fair, held at Brisbane Court, raised nearly £1,000 for the charity through a day of festive stalls and musical performances.

The charity said: "Thank you to everyone who came and supported us on the day, as well as over the past year with all of the generous donated items, which were saved over the year to go towards this year’s Christmas Fair.

"We were blessed with the weather being dry at least, even though it was a little on the chilly side."

The cake stall, stocked with treats made by the charity's supporters, was a huge hit at the event, selling out within two hours ­— despite generous amounts of cupcakes, tray bakes, biscuits and marmalade on sale.

Nearby businesses also got involved, with Greengrocer Ernest Banks providing a fruit hamper and a vegetable hamper and Occasions donating an oil burner and candles gift set to the cause.

The Salvation Army Brass Band got the crowds into the festive mood with a selection of carols, followed by the Sir John Hunt school choir.

The children performed a selection of upbeat Christmas songs, before finishing the set with the traditional carols.

"The children who performed were a credit to the school, they all sang beautifully and helped to create and add to a festive atmosphere," the charity added.

"We raised just short of £1,000, which will be going back into the community of Newark and Balderton, to help towards requests for gas and electric and possibly Messy Church too.

"Because of how successful it was, we are definitely looking to make it an annual celebration."