On Saturday 1st December the House of Manannan opens its doors for the popular annual Christmas Craft Fair. The fair and special festive activities run from 11am to 4pm with the lantern competition judged on the forecourt at 3.30pm ahead of the official Peel Town Lantern Parade.
The House of Manannan galleries will be decorated with Christmas themes and your child’s creative talents will be put to the test by producing a handmade Christmas gift with personalised wrapping, as well as making a colourful Christmas lantern to parade later in the day.
The House of Manannan Gift Shop has been truly transformed for Christmas, showcasing the work of some of the Isle of Man’s most talented craftspeople, artists and producers. From bath treats to beautiful bespoke design scarves and unique interior accessories to delicious gourmet foods, almost every item stocked is either inspired by our beautiful Island or handmade right here on the Isle of Man. As a special Christmas treat customers can benefit from a 10% discount on all items purchased from the shop on the day.
Enhancing the shopping experience, over 20 independent local artists and craftspeople will provide an excellent variety of stalls dotted throughout the building offering the opportunity for visitors to buy more unique and handmade items including artwork, jewellery, glassware, ceramics, textiles and beauty products.
Father Christmas will be making a special guest appearance between 11am and 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm, and for ?2.50 children will be able to visit his grotto to personally deliver their Christmas wish list and receive a small present in return for a promise of good behaviour.
Festive music will include a performance by The St. Germans Cathedral Bell Ringers who will be filling the air Christmas tunes between 12 noon and 1pm. Come along and you may be allowed to try out a bit of campanology.
Margaret Jones of the House of Manannan said;
“This is a fun festive event for all the family. Adults will have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Christmas gifts from the many crafts stalls and gift shop whilst the children are entertained in the craft workshops. Seasonal food and refreshments will be on sale at the Coffee Station, with juice for children and a non-alcoholic mulled wine available from the Friends of Manx National Heritage. Following the judging of the lantern competition the Peel Lantern procession will leave the forecourt to parade through the streets to the switching on of the Peel Christmas lights.”
Entry on the day is just ?3.00 for adults, ?1.50 for members of the Friends of Manx National Heritage and children go free. A visit to Santa is ?2.50 per child.
Come and join in the festive fun at the House of Manannan on Saturday 1st December 2012 between 11am and 4pm and celebrate Christmas with Manx National Heritage.
