A BLACKROD firm is hosting its own Christmas market to get the community into the festive spirit.

St George’s Aggregates, based in Scot Lane industrial estate in Blackrod, is hosting a Christmas celebration, bringing together local businesses and artists, and even a Santa’s grotto.

There are more than 30 different stalls signed up so far, which are billed to be selling a mixture of handmade gifts, artisan bakes, Christmas cards, and more.

St George’s is allowing the market stalls to use their space for free, with all profits going to the local businesses there.

There will also be a real ale festival hosted by Horwich brewers, Escape Brewery, alongside a fully stocked licensed bar serving everything from Bolton Gin to mulled wine.

Lee Gaskell, who is helping to set-up and organise the event, said: “We do Christmas trees every year and wanted to go even further this year and put on a market too.

“We put a bit of an advert out on social media and got so many local businesses getting in touch wanting to be involved, we’ve already got more than 30 signed up.

“They cover everything you can think of including The Haus Of Dog, premium perfumes for your dogs, MAC Bakery, for tasty bakes, and numerous local makers of Christmas gifts and decorations.

“We were really glad to get Christmas Decorators UK too who are installing massive amounts of premium Christmas decorations including walk-in snow globes to transform the venue.

“We haven’t charged anyone for setting up their stalls as we just wanted it to be about the local community coming together and getting in the festive spirit.

“Everyone missed out on these sorts of events last year so it will be great to get people out celebrating local businesses again. We’ve got some great local artists playing too. BOXOSO have provided state of the art production equipment, which is fantastic.

“It’s all about people just getting together and having a great time.”

The event will be taking place on Saturday, December 11, from 10am into the evening with live entertainment and Santa himself in the grotto until 4pm.

Christmas trees from St George’s Aggregates are on sale until Christmas Day.