Following my trip to the
Spirit of Christmas Fair I was also invited to attend the
Country Living Christmas Fair*, a similar style of event but somewhat different than I expected. Coined as the 'festive occasion where the pages of the (Country Living) magazine comes to life' this fair had a very different 'vibe' than the Spirit of Christmas Fair starting with the venues with the Country Living Christmas Fair feeling much for smaller, held at Londons Excel Centre, and more 'homely'.
Whereas the Spirit of Christmas felt sophisticated, the County Living Fair more homely yet it was rather cluttered and was certainly far busier and cluttered. On a positive note it did feel more festive and I'd liken it to your local Christmas fair on a larger scale.
If it hasn't become obvious I didn't enjoy the Country Living Fair as much as the Spirit of Christmas Fair as it's success meant, I imagine due to loyal Country Living magazine readers, it was so busy and congested that I spent more time standing stationary in queues trying to work my way round. Which was another point of note, the layout didn't provide an obvious route and you'd find yourself repeating areas and I overhead many people saying 'have we been this way'.
Whilst you'll see some similar brands and businesses as at the Spirit of Christmas Fair you will find more homemade types and there seemed to be more festive options to purchase but I was tempted with less personally.
There was a significantly older audience and perhaps the brands on display were representative of that? It was also lacking in the food stalls, there were one or two options dotted around but nowhere near to the degree as the Spirit of Christmas Fair which I thought was an usual choice.
The food options were also less sophisticated and whilst there was a champagne bar is was small and nestled in between the busy stall holders. That said the food areas on display were packed with people enjoying tea and cakes although that may be again due to the limited choices.
The Country Living Christmas Fair in comparison to the Spirit of Christmas as I've explained was very different in experience so you could attend both with success although it'll be personal preferences that will leave you choosing one over the other.
I would return to the Country Living Christmas Fair and have been many times in the past but I think I need to be more prepared for how busy it can be and what is on offer.
Do you enjoy Christmas fairs? Where is your favourite?
*I received complimentary tickets for the Country Living Christmas fair
Amazing. I love the ones they do here so glad they do them in London too.
ReplyDeleteCounting down to the Spring/Summer one now!
DeleteThis looks amazing, but it's such a shame that it was rather busy and had less of a direction to it. Atmosphere really can make or break an event for me. Xx
ReplyDeleteTania | When Tania Talks
I can imagine, it was a shame as I think if it had been a little more structured/more space it would've made all the difference
DeleteSo much inspiration.. I bet you felt Christmassy after hanging out there!
ReplyDeleteJust a bit!
DeleteA wander around there would leave me feeling very festive indeed! x
ReplyDeleteYou definitely get in the Christmas spirit
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