Festive fun arrived in Rivington over the weekend as the Village Green Tearoom held its first Christmas Market.
The award-winning tearoom is hosting the markets for the fourth year in a row with each market hosting around 15 different traders offering personalised gifts, Christmas decorations, books, dog treats, sweets, kids clothing and more.
Among the stall sellers was Jacquisara Simmons, who has been working as a professional photographer for 15 years.
Jacqui’s stall consisted of Christmas-themed trinkets such as keyrings, framed pictures and fridge magnets all featuring her own pictures.
Jacqui said: “I’ve been working as a photographer for 15 years now and always feature at the Rivington Christmas Markets.
“It’s a lovely event and is popular with visitors, the people here are always so welcoming, and it gives shoppers the chance to find something special for the festive season.”
Stallholders have paid £10 each to host with all funds going to the chapel.
The family business was started by Jane’s grandmother more than 43 years ago and Jade began working at the tearoom when she was just 16 years-old.
Market stalls are set up in the tearoom and the chapel.
Chris Martin, who is a Trustee of Rivington Chapel, was also operating a store with his wife, June.
The two were selling a variety of handmade goods including “funny farm” bespoke stuffed animals.
All of the proceeds, Chris adds, will go towards the Rivington Chapel Trust.
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He said: “The turnout this year is always really positive and tends to peak during the early afternoon hours. It is great to represent the Rivington Chapel Trustees and open our doors to show off the magnificent chapel.
“All things today are being sold on behalf of the chapel as part of the community’s ethos.
“In total we have seven crafters in the chapel area and nine next doors at the Rivington Green Village Tearoom, which is co-ordinated by Jade. We’ve had a great turnout, but the markets are running next weekend for those who might’ve missed it.”
Local charities were also present at the markets, one such being the Animals Asia organisation who were campaigning against Bear Bile Farming.
The stall holders, Jill Mills, Phillis Giles and Ken Haydock, were raising money for the organisation through a “toy tombola” at just £5 per person.
They also were selling handmade woolly winter hats.
Jill said: “The focus of our Bear Bile Farming programme is to rescue bears from the bear bile industry, provide life-long care for rescued bears at our award-winning sanctuaries in China and Vietnam, and work towards ending the industry in Asia.
“Most farmed bears are starved and dehydrated and suffer from multiple diseases and malignant tumours that ultimately kill them.
“We’re here today to raise awareness about the issue in a fun and memorable way. We’re very excited to promote the cause at Rivington Christmas Markets as they provide the most cosy and comfortable atmosphere for guests.”
The Rivington Christmas Markets are dog friendly, and guests are welcome to a selection of drinks, teas, coffees and beautiful cakes at the village café and tea rooms.
The markets will take place on Saturday, October 26 and Saturday, November 2 from 10am – 4pm.
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