Eats ‘n’ Treats Christmas shopping event at Brock was a hit with the public

More than 1,300 eager Christmas shoppers descended on Brockenhurst College yesterday for the annual New Forest Eats ‘n’ Treats yuletide shopping event, making it the biggest ever.

Between 11:00am and 4:00pm, around 70 stall holders presented and retailed unique, locally-produced goods, including food & drink and arts & crafts.

Stalls set up in the College’s Main Hall and cafeteria, while mobile catering outlets, serving a wide variety of hot food, set up on the nearby Staff Lawn.

Live music came courtesy of student band Souled Out, Southampton Ukulele Jam and New Forest Rock Choir.

Meanwhile there were cooking demonstrations by top chefs in MJ’s and expert craft demonstrations in the fitness suite.

Now in its fourth year, Eats ‘n’ Treats is a joint venture between Brockenhurst College, Go New Forest and New Forest Marque.

Head of Marketing and Communications at Brockenhurst College, Rebekah Donawa, said afterwards: “We are absolutely over the moon about the extraordinary level of public engagement we achieved with Eats ‘n’ Treats this year.

“My heartfelt thanks go to Go New Forest, New Forest Marque and all the stall holders and vendors, as well as college staff and our Student Ambassadors, plus the expert demonstrators, who made it work so well.

“Given the overwhelming interest and support, we fully expect to run this event again next year.”