Testimonials
Real stories from visitors, stallholders and partners
Bill
WMD Sculpture
Jess
Woodrow Chocolates
Zarina
Kiki’s House
Christmas Visitors
Father Christmas
Christmas Visitors
Christchurch Park Visitors
All the way from Australia
Jack
Jack’s Meat Shack
Meghna
The Happy Bowl Co.
What our visitors and stallholders say
David
Visitor · Westerfield, Ipswich
“The journey/parking was so much quicker this year, well done to whoever decided to add the shuttle buses, as the roads were so much easier to drive on. When we arrived there was a very helpful team of parking staff who got everyone safely in position and entry into the event was very prompt (the ticket staff scanning at the front gate seemed like a lovely bunch too). This is the second time I’ve attended and it’s even better than last year. The amount of stalls is more than I see at any other Christmas event, but it’s the variety that I appreciate even more. I’ve lost track of how much we have purchased!”
Chloe
Visitor · Hadleigh
“I liked the fact it was so big but it still felt cosy. We thought we would be here for about an hour but it’s been 3hrs so far and there’s still a market around the back of the house we haven’t seen yet. It’s really good value for money, especially with the free travel on the shuttle bus. We will definitely be back next year, we live quite close as well so to pop on the shuttle and not worry about parking or anything is great, we were here in under 10 mins and also get a free journey home, so a big thank you for that.”
Sophie
Visitor · Felixstowe
“My friends told me about this and said we had to see Santa and the stilt walkers (I’m more interested in shopping, but hey ho). So we had it in the diary for a while and it was worth the wait, yes the stilts were good, and Santa was amazing to be fair, but the shopping stalls… oh my god! There were so many to choose from, and all so different. I spent a lot more than I thought I would and I’m so happy I did because I was seeing things I couldn’t get anywhere else. I don’t know how you get so many great stalls all in one place but hats off to the organisers… It was perfect.”
Meredith
Visitor · Ipswich
“We went twice this year, I know I know, but there was more I wanted to buy and I didn’t have enough bags/hands on the first day. I was so pleased to see the Harmonettes again, they sound amazing and the new jazz band on the Sunday were superb! Loving all the pretty lighting again, the venue is so lovely and you add such a festive sprinkle of magic, it’s lovely to visit each year.”
Stanley
Visitor · Capel St Mary
“This may not be the review you want, I don’t know, but as someone who has run events I wanted to acknowledge that putting all this on must cost you an absolute bomb. I can see many areas where you could have placed profit over customer experience, but you clearly haven’t. I see all the matting, free shuttle, entertainment, incredible marquees etc… I know this doesn’t come cheap, so from one to another… hats off. You’ve created a stunning event.”
Molly
Visitor · East Bergholt
“Really pleased I made the trip. My husband was ill, so I was unsure about coming alone, but it was lovely. Your staff are a credit to your business, they’re so helpful. I found so many lovely gifts and the food was delicious.”
Samantha
Visitor · Bury St Edmunds
“Everything about this event was great, we came in and went into the first two big marquees by the front, saw so many amazing things for sale. Then saw Father Christmas when we came out of the second one, as you do! Then had some toasted marshmallows—they were massive! Then went up to the main house itself, it’s gorgeous! We went round to the back pathway and bought a lovely little pottery house, then into another massive marquee and there were so many stalls. We came out to a different food area and had a lovely coffee whilst my partner had some mulled wine and a hog roast bap. Then we went through some lovely lit trees and could hear some girls singing, so sat down there for a bit. There was another market area and we bought some more bits over there. I can’t believe how much you guys have packed into this event, you’ve done so well, it’s brilliant. We will be back every year!”
Kev
Visitor · Ipswich
“Like many blokes in my position, I was dragged to this ‘shopping’ event against my will… however, for once I’m glad she did. I had beer, chocolate, burgers, then actually did some genuine shopping. There was a guy selling meat rubs near the front of the house and his samples were delicious, so I got two of them. I also got a pack of craft beers and a new ring that was made from cutlery (looks better than what I’m saying). I dread to think how much my wife bought but she looked very happy. Really good event, nice to stroll around, have a bite to eat, listen to the music and check out the stalls.”
Cherry
Elegant Paper Artistry
“I just wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to you all for the incredible experience at the Essex County Craft Show 2025. This was my first time trading with you, and after five years of participating in events run by various organisers, I can confidently say this was the most enjoyable and professionally run show I’ve attended to date. From start to finish, everything was so well organised—the trader pack was clear and informative, the market was beautifully laid out, and the staff were nothing short of outstanding: friendly, helpful, and always on hand with a smile. You truly went above and beyond my expectations, and I’m so grateful for all the hard work and care that went into making the event such a success.”
Liz & Lee
Stallholders · Lizzington Bags
“I just want to say a massive thank you to you and your fabulous team for the event at Ingatestone Hall at the weekend. It’s the first time I have done one of your events, and it was brilliant. Your organisation and marketing are superb. I know how much is involved and what hard work events are, particularly a new event at a new venue. I loved the layout, there was plenty for people to see and do, and I also loved the high level of crafts and crafters exhibiting.”
Charlie
Stallholder · Caine’s Pizza
“A tip of the hat to you and the team, both events are so well organised and a joy to work at! All the staff, security, car park attendants, stallholders—everything was great. A real big well done and we look forward to working with you again next year.”
Shani
Simply Sacred Blends
“Thank you so much for a fab Christmas market. From the organisation to the advertising, you really went above and beyond. Thank you for making it a great first experience for us. After a rocky year with events, we really appreciate organisers like yourselves.”
Charlotte
Visitor · Ipswich
“We had seen pictures of the show last year, so decided this year we would come along and it was great to get the shuttle bus. We have loved it! Santa looked amazing, there was so much food and drink and I bought some lovely chocolates and jewellery in one of the marquees. We are bringing our parents next year!”
Claire
Stallholder · Bambi & Flower
“Firstly, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for yesterday. The event was perfectly executed and was amazing for us. It was by far our best sales day yet. Well done on hosting an amazing event. I would love to come back to this event next year.”
Donna
Visitor · Lavenham
“I had seen the roadside advertising for this, so decided to pop down last minute and I’m so glad I did! I’ve managed to do all my Christmas shopping and it was just magical. Everyone was so happy, people were dancing to the girls singing by the bandstand, I had a mulled wine there too and it was great to hear the festive music playing inside the marquees. There were so many different stalls, all selling the most amazing things. Honestly, I was just blown away. It’s easily the best Christmas fair I’ve ever been to!”