Buckfast Abbey’s popular Christmas Market returns
Buckfast Abbey, in South Devon, has this week announced the line-up for its first Christmas Market in over two years. Taking place on Saturday 11th (10am-5.30pm) and Sunday 12th December (12.30-5.30pm), the market features more than 40 independent stalls ranging from crafts to local artisan food and drink producers.
Free to enter, and with limited free parking, the family-friendly weekend includes a treasure hunt for children and Alpaca experiences as well as plenty of opportunities to stock up on amazing food and drink, original presents, mulled wine and mince pies.
From artisan bread to brownies, and ceramics to tack for ponies, the market has been designed to help visitors find the perfect present for their loved ones; whether it be a bottle of rum, vodka, gin, or the Abbey’s new Buckfast Bee Honey Mead; fresh farm food; handmade notebooks and even sketchpads.
Alongside a mix of food stalls there’ll be opportunities to explore the grounds before returning to the market to discover original artwork, fused glass gifts, jewellery and even silk and wool stalls.
Commenting on the Christmas Market, the Abbot of Buckfast said, “We’re looking forward to welcoming back visitors who’ve attended our Christmas Markets in the past. For those who had little choice but to buy gifts online in 2020, the Abbey’s open-air and indoor Christmas Market provides a wonderful opportunity for everyone to enter into joyful preparations for Christmas.”
Father Abbot added, “On both nights, after the market closes, there are opportunities to hear choir concerts. On Saturday, the Abbey Choir will perform a festive programme including carols and music from their latest CD. Guests can buy a ticket to the Puer natus est performance, which starts at 7.30pm, and book a fantastic pre-concert dinner, featuring a choice of slow cooked feather-blade of beef, grilled sea bass with cockles, or spinach and ricotta ravioli with basil pesto from the menu – all followed by dessert.
“On Sunday, visitors can look forward to free Christmas carols performed by Dartington Community Choir. The annual performance, which starts at 6.00pm, has been arranged in support of Rowcroft Hospice, its staff, volunteers, patients and families.”
Buckfast Abbey is conveniently located midway between Exeter and Plymouth, just off the A38. Home to a community of Benedictine monks, the Abbey offers a unique, tranquil ambience, and is open seven days a week to the public. Entry is free and there is limited free car parking (car share if you can). For more information on the Abbey, Mass times, events and attractions visit www.buckfastabbey.org.uk