FOR unusual gifts that cannot be found in large town high streets, shoppers are being urged to come to Farnham’s Christmas Market and Farmers’ Market on Sunday, December 11, between 10am and 4pm.

The free al fresco shopping event has been organised by Farnham Town Council and is sponsored by Specsavers and Kidd Rapinet solicitors.

The festive market will include some 200 stalls in Castle Street, Central car park and The Bush Hotel. Many of the products available at the markets are handmade, locally produced, ethically sourced or organic.

The 1st Wrecclesham Guides will be dressed as elves and on hand to direct visitors to the various attractions.

Jill Hargreaves, the town council’s lead member for tourism and events, said: “There is so much on offer at this year’s Christmas market and farmers’ market.

“Come to Farnham if you want a varied choice of unusual and high quality gift ideas for everyone on your Christmas list, as well as some fantastic fresh and seasonal produce at the farmers’ market.

“Our local shops are joining in the fun too by running a Hunt the Camel competition for children, so do pick up an entry form from the Farnham Town Council information tent and look out for the camels in shop windows.”

Father Christmas will be spending the day in Farnham and will be based in his grotto at The Bush Hotel. Boys and girls are invited to visit him to share their Christmas wishes or even hand deliver their letter direct to Santa himself.

Children and adults alike will also love the nativity of live animals taking place in the hotel’s car park.

The farmers’ market, which runs from 10am to 1.30pm in the Central car park, has dozens of stalls, enabling shoppers to purchase locally grown fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and dairy produce plus baked goods, condiments and drinks.

Mrs Hargreaves added: “We will be spoilt for choice by what our Christmas market stallholders are bringing to Farnham.

“Do come and browse, you will find hand-sewn felt Christmas decorations, Christmas wreaths, organic scented bath bombs and candles, stationery, novelty eastern-style felt slippers, Italian cashmere ponchos, handmade applique cushions, hand decorated embellished mirrors and fair trade knitwear, to name just a few.”

After the farmers’ market finishes, the Christmas market will continue until 4pm. A list of stallholders, the Spot the Camel competition entry forms and details about other Christmas events taking place in Farnham can be found at www.farnham.gov.uk/christmas.