AN autumn shopping event is back and set to help customers make a start on their Christmas shopping in aid of a mid Essex hospice.

Farleigh Hospice's autumn shopping extravaganza takes place at the Channels Estate, on November 3, after last year's event was cancelled due to Covid-19.

Shoppers can browse a range of pop-up shops selling boutique clothing and accessories, homewares, glass decorations, skincare, handmade jewellery, chocolates and speciality gins.

Braintree and Witham Times: A stall at the Farleigh shopping extravaganza in 2019A stall at the Farleigh shopping extravaganza in 2019

It takes place in the Essex Barn at the Channels Estate from 10am to 3pm, with entry at just £5.

This fee also includes the chance to win a luxury hamper.

There’s no need to register in advance, just pay at the door on the day.

One of the stallholders on the day is Seres Gifts.

Its owner Sophie Davis said: "I’m excited to be at the Farleigh Hospice shopping event, it is one of the first ones that I have been able to attend in nearly two years because of the pandemic.

"I’m sure other stallholders will agree, that we’ve really missed being able to be part of the charity fair circuit.

"It’s great to be back out and engaging with customers in person again."

Seres Gifts sells luxury gifts at "realistic prices" so is perfect for Christmas shoppers at Farleigh's event.

"For me the charity events like Farleigh’s are a wonderful way of bringing people together," Sophie added.

"These events offer a nice shopping experience with independent retailers, that offer something different from the high street.

"My hope is that the resurgence of gift fairs helps local charities to fundraise, allows independent traders to get back on their feet, and gives people the freedom of the shopping experience that they were denied last year - hopefully making for a happier Christmas."

Braintree and Witham Times: A stall at the Farleigh shopping extravaganza in 2019A stall at the Farleigh shopping extravaganza in 2019

The Friends of Farleigh and Farleigh craft groups will also have stalls at the event, and the Channels Bar and Brasserie will be selling coffees, teas, lunches and snacks.

Farleigh Hospice fundraising manager Debbie de Boltz said: "We’re thrilled to be able to hold our annual autumn shopping event again this year thanks to the kind support of Channels Estate.

"We’ve got a fantastic range of gift items on sale this year, from clothing and handmade jewellery to natural skincare products and handmade chocolates.

"All the money raised from the entry fee will go towards helping Farleigh to continue to provide much-needed care and support to the people of mid Essex affected by life-limiting illness and bereavement."

Confirmed stallholders include:

• Mary James

• From the Heart

• Driftwood Designs

• Cosima's

• Cornucopia Candles

• Natural Elements Candles and Diffusers Ltd

• Helen Rose Glass

• Lizzington

• Seres Gifts Limited

• Daisy Blue

• Flamingo Paperie

• Neal’s Yard

• Tiptree

• Aston Green Living

• The Only Way is Gin

• Wishlist

• Temprd Chocolate

For more information visit www.farleighhospice.org/events/shopping-extravaganza.

Or contact the Fundraising Team on 01245 457411 or fundraising@farleighhospice.org