THE Old Thorns Christmas market took place on Sunday and saw more than 50 stallholders set up in the grand ballroom selling a range of eclectic textiles, jewellery, arts and craft, tasty treats and much more.

When the event was first discussed, Old Thorns planned to have just a few stalls in the Hampshire suite, but a big response meant the event was moved to the grand ballroom. Organisers received feedback from attendees that it took a long time to get in to Old Thorns and traffic was queued back right on to the A3. As a result, Old Thorns is thinking about a possible park-and-ride scheme to reduce the amount of congestion arriving to the venue next year.

The aim of the event was to put on a spectacle for the community, as well as collect money for the charity Teenage Cancer Trust, and £870 was raised. Approximately 3,000 people attended and organisers received lots of good feedback from stallholders. Attendees said the event had a great atmosphere and was something different for Liphook.

Old Thorns general manager David Graham said he was “overwhelmed” with the response to the Christmas Market, adding: “I didn’t expect it would take off like this.

“Its popularity was incredible and we hope to expand to accommodate more people in the years to come.”