The Arkell’s Christmas Market is back in Swindon!  Saturday 11 December sees the return of the festive-filled market at the Kingsdown Brewery, following a year off in 2020 due to COVID. 

As in previous years, the market will be held outside from 10am - 3pm, in the grounds of Arkell’s beautiful and historic Victorian steam brewery.

There will be 40 stallholders; all local and regional food and craftspeople, setting up shop at the brewery to sell their wares, and of course there will be the opportunity to see Father Christmas and his reindeer!  (Father Christmas from 10.30am-12pm and 1.00pm-2.30pm, £5 per child (includes gift); and the reindeer from 10am-2pm).

Managing Director, George Arkell, said: “Arkell’s Brewery is a magical place at Christmas and we are ready to throw open our gates once again and share it with everyone. We love the buzz in the brewery when we hold these markets; it will be wonderful to see all the visitors and stallholders again.”

While visitors browse, they will be treated to the festive singing of local choir The Songbirds, as well as music from The Oompah Band.

To keep visitors fed and watered as they enjoy the Christmas spirit, hot food and drink vendors will be selling bratwurst sausages, pizza, and hand-warming tea and coffee. Not forgetting the Arkell’s mobile bar serving seasonal favourite, Sir Noel Ale and fragrant mulled wine.

“A huge amount of work and planning goes into the Christmas Market, but to see the smiles on the faces of the people flowing through the gates justifies all the effort,” added Head Brewer, Alex Arkell. “We love giving the community something to enjoy in the run up to Christmas.”

Admission to the market is free and parking on site is available, although walking is encouraged if you are able to. The Stagecoach number 10 bus also runs from Swindon Town Centre to Kingsdown.