Everything you need to know ahead of Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair 2019

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With the nights getting darker, children back at school and the frosty mornings beginning to show, the festive season is just around the corner, and believe it or not, Christmas will be here before you know it.

The Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair will return to the Lincolnshire Showground this winter, and with more than 8,000 people expected to attend.

Photo: Jacob White for CityX

With advance tickets now on sale, here’s everything you need to know about the festive extravaganza:

When is it?

Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1.

Doors open from 9am to 4pm both days.

What is the Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair?

The two-day event is one of the biggest food festivals in the county, with more than 150 exhibitor stands.

The popular event will showcase the county’s finest foods, unique gifts and offer free festive entertainment for children.

Now in its 19th year, the Food and Gift Fair is one of several events organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, and organisers are preparing for the biggest and busiest fairs to date.

Jayne Southall, CEO at Lincolnshire Showground, said: “Preparations are well underway for the Food and Gift Fair, and we are getting ready for this year’s Fair to be the best yet! It is a fun festive event to suit all ages and tastes, including foodies, families and Christmas shoppers and is guaranteed to get everybody in the Christmas spirit.

“Visitors will be able to sample the best of Lincolnshire produce, including famous pork pies, speciality cheese, wine tasting, locally distilled gin, chocolate, fudge and much more.

“There will also be free activities for children including hands-on-crafts, Christmas storytelling and baking activities and we also have a few more surprises rolled up our sleeves – so watch this space!”

Photo: Jacob White for CityX

Will there be any other entertainment?

The popular Santa’s Workshop area will return to the event for its fourth year, providing hours of free entertainment for younger visitors including a reindeer food bar, designing pet bandanas with Zukie Style, Christmas pottery painting with The Little Pottery Studio, willow weaving with Lincolnshire Willow and story telling from Lincoln Performing Arts Centre. Hobbycraft Lincoln will also be giving children a chance to make festive wrapping paper and design their own Christmas cards.

Local choirs will be entertaining shoppers with live performances and the Lincolnshire Kitchen will be brought to life by top chefs and producers who will be sharing their top tips and favourite festive recipes.

Hundreds of new, local and exciting exhibitors will also be taking a stand at this year’s Fair including the 2019 Grow with the Show winner Designed for Dogs, local gift shop With Love from Lincolnshire and popular bakery 42nd East Bakehouse, amongst many more food, drink, gift and craft exhibitors.

How much are tickets and parking?

Tickets for the Fair can be bought online or over the phone at £5 each (plus postage) in advance and are £6 on the gate.

Under 5s go free when accompanied by an adult.

Visitors will have access to free parking.

Tickets can be bought online here.

Is it indoors or outdoors?

The event is held across two indoor halls.

Can I get something to eat at the Fair?

Yes, the two buildings are joined together by a covered walkway which hosts hot food stands including Boston Sausage, Kind Kebab, The Duck Truck, Greek Souvlaki, Yellowbelly Sausage Co and much more.

Photo: Jacob White for CityX

Is the Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair suitable for people with mobility issues?

Limited blue badge parking is available on hardstanding, and forward parking will be available on grass once this is full.

The Showground has disabled toilet facilities in both buildings and lift access to the first floor of the Epic Centre. All of the event is held indoors and is suitable for visitors with mobility issues.

Photo: Jacob White for CityX

Can I bring my dog?

As this event is held indoors, we only permit entry for assistance dogs.

Can I withdraw cash at the event?

Cashback will be available from the ticket booth when buying your tickets or making a small purchase.

Visit www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk for further details.