Exciting Open Air Museum Christmas Event

Weald & Downland Christmas Market	The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum Christmas Fair was held on the 16^th and 17^th November 2013 and gave a sparkling start to this years festivities in Sussex. Visitors were treated to a historic village brimming full of crafts, gifts, fresh hot food and drinks. The weather was cold and dry and the Autumn colours created a perfect backdrop to frame the collection of restored buildings that are hundreds of years old.
Pop Up Shop in Walderton Cottage	Create Display was fortunate to be sharing the picturesque Walderton cottage again this year, for our annual Christmas Pop-Up Shop. We were very pleased to feature Mel Howse’s lovely stained glass panels which glowed with stunning colours and complimented the traditional leaded cottage windows. Will and Nikki Dyke’s hand woodcut and lino cut prints made a fantastic display again this year!
Incorporated within the display was the wood carving and lino cutting equipment used during the process. Customers were able to get an idea about how the magical prints are produced by Mr Dyke.
A gorgeous new design this year depicts an old apple storehouse and an entrance to a garden at the local West Dean estate, famous for its arts education facilities.
Create Display Stand Detail	Ann and Colin from ‘See the Wood from The Trees’ were on fine form with their tempting collection of shiny turned wood wares crafted locally. We couldn’t imagine a more picturesque setting for their natural products – each one individually handmade. We appreciated the warmth from the little open fire in the cottage and the toasted marshmallows! Various orchestras and bands kept the seasonal songs flowing including The Worthing Band and The Sussex Folk Orchestra.
Weald and Downland Buildings at Dusk	Kate Russell Communications Manager at The Weald and Downland said “We like to make full use of the site. It is rather unique how all the buildings are used for various trade stands.” Several thousand people attended each day during the weekend show and the fair was declared “Absolutely Superb” by the respected local newspaper The Chichester Observer.