By ROBERT GIBSON rgibson@cngroup.co.uk

Last updated at 12:04, Friday, 23 July 2010

LOCAL producers and businesses wishing to take part in a Christmas market at Prudhoe Castle are urged to come forward.

Plans are in place to hold a festive market in a bid to draw more people to the town and show what it has to offer.

On Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5 visitors will be invited to enjoy locally produced food and drink, while shopping for festive gifts.

Music and entertainment will also be provided, as will as traditional mulled wine and a special visit from Santa himself.

Several Prudhoe businesses have already backed the market, which aims to complement events such as the popular Christmas markets at Hexham and Brocksbushes.

Visitors of all ages will be catered for in the programme, which involves local schools, bands and community groups.

Andrew Jones, of Prudhoe’s marketing and communication group, which is driving the project forward, said: “Now’s the time for Prudhoe’s local producers and businesses to get in touch with us as a priority. We welcome enquiries from small cottage industries, specialist producers and larger producers across the area.

“We’re over the moon to be working with English Heritage again, and they are providing the historic castle for everyone.

“People will have a great chance to view, taste and buy an exciting range of local Christmas gifts, food and a wide range of wonderful Christmas goodies, to cater for all tastes and budgets.

“This is an ideal showcase for the town, its people and its culture.”

Special parking arrangements will be in place during the two days, and buses will provide special services to and from the town, the castle and the train station.

The event’s main aim is to show Prudhoe as a thriving and progressive place to live and do business, Mr Jones added.

English Heritage’s visitor operations manager for Prudhoe Castle, Lynn Rylance, said: “Prudhoe Castle is usually closed throughout the winter months, so we’re delighted to open especially for this festive weekend and support this event.”

To book a stall visit www.prudhoedirectory.co.uk, call Andrew Jones on (01661) 836668, or andrew@prudhoe.org

First published at 09:36, Friday, 16 July 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk