Press Release

Christmas Comes Early in the North York Moors

Christmas comes but once a year – except at The Moors National Park Centre at Danby, where three weekends in November are given over to getting in to the Christmas spirit.

Highlight of the festive calendar is the annual Christmas Craft Fair, to be held this year on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th November. Inside The Moors Centre you’ll find a wide range of art and craft stalls selling anything from handmade ceramics and hand-carved walking sticks to artisan-baked Christmas cakes or soap scented with Yorkshire lavender. Outside, there’s traditional music from a vintage fairground organ, pony-trap rides (on the Sunday), various children’s craft activities and the all-important visit from You Know Who.

There are around 35 artists and crafters taking part in the fair, all locally based and with an admirable emphasis on using locally sourced or sustainable products. Many of the exhibitors are also part of the Brigantia art, craft and design group, who stage their own “Arty Crafty Christmas” show on the two preceding weekends (3rd and 4th, and 10th and 11th November), also at The Moors Centre. This is another great opportunity to buy quality art and crafts direct from the artists themselves.

Kicking off the seasonal season, meanwhile, is the chance for children to design and print their own wrapping paper and greetings cards. Bring them along to The Moors Centre during the afternoon on Friday November 2 and they’ll also be shown how to make a Christmas garland from willow, holly, ivy and other natural materials.

No excuses then this year – Christmas presents, wrapping, cards, decorations and cake, all sorted by the end of November, courtesy of the North York Moors National Park Authority and its wonderful artists and craftspeople.

Christmas Craft Fair, at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby, YO21 2NB, on November 17 and 18, 2012. The centre is open from 10.30am to 4.30pm and admission is free, with a small charge for pony trap rides and activities. Brigantia’s Arty Crafty Christmas runs over the weekends of 3 and 4, and 10 and 11 November – admission free. Getting Ready for Christmas children’s activity is on Friday November 2 from 2pm to 4.30pm ¬– cost is £5 per child, bookings essential on 01439 772738. 

Ends

North York Moors National Park

1. In 2012 the North York Moors is celebrating 60 years as a National Park. It was created on 28 November 1952 and became Britain’s sixth National Park.

2. The North York Moors National Park is the place where nature and history inspire each other. Its contrasting landscape has a long imprint of human activity: prehistoric remains, vibrant villages and breathtaking abbeys. Ancient trees, towering coastal cliffs and rolling heather moorland provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife and its wide open spaces and breathtaking vistas bring a sense of peace and tranquillity.

3. The North York Moors is one of 15 National Parks which are home to some of the most spectacular and valued landscapes in Britain. More information on all National Parks can be found at www.nationalparks.gov.uk.

4. Nearly 14% of our staff are apprentices from local families.

Media Contact
Linda Blackburne, Communications Officer, North York Moors National Park Authority
Tel: 01439 772700
Email: l.blackburne@northyorkmoors.org.uk

October 31, 2012