A new chapter begins for the Fairy Tale Fair

Whilst the in person events have been cancelled this Christmas there is lots going on online to promote and support many local and independent creatives and makers this festive season. Claire Montgomery, founder of the fair, said: "We've just launched a Crowdfunder where we hope to fund 50 Christmas mystery boxes.

"The boxes are £15 (including UK delivery) and will feature products from a selection of our regular makers. If we reach our target these will be delivered in the first week of December, so will be a lovely festive surprise arriving on customers doormats instead of from our fairs this year. On our Crowdfunder page people can find out more and pledge."

After the success of its online fairs during the summer, which saw over 15,000 views in 24 hours it is back on Instagram stories and Facebook.

Claire said: "We're excited for all things Festive at our online Christmas fairs on Saturday, November 14, Sunday, December 6 from 11am and Wednesday, December 9 from 7pm.

"Once again these will be held via social media and we're going bigger than ever as these will each feature 50+ talented independent creatives, exclusive offers, performances, festive tunes and lots more! At the December 6 fair we'll also be encouraging any donations you can spare via our Just Giving page for St Barnabas House Hospice.

"For these events you can join us on Instagram and Facebook."

With the support of Arts Council England its had 10,000 Christmas Directories and Gift Guides printed.

The A5 booklet will feature 50 of the fairs regular and talented makers.

Claire added: "They have been working hard to fill their online shops with wonderful handmade gifts and the guide is a great place to find out more and get some exclusive offers. 10,000 of the guides will be making their way door to door in the locations our Christmas fairs would have been held in - Brighton, Worthing, Hove and Patcham. There will also be pick up points for the brochures in each town including Brighton Open Market & Inspired Worthing."

A digital version of the guide can also be viewed and shared online here: thefairytalefair.co.uk/christmas-gift-guide-directory-independent-makers-fairy-tale-fair/As well as the gift guide it has also put together an online directory of unique creatives and makers from Sussex and beyond.

Claire said: "This is a great page to bookmark and use as your go to place for locally made and unusual Christmas gifts this year. New makers are added weekly so there are always new talents to explore."

Founded in 2012 in a small village hall the fair has since gone onto grow across many venues across Sussex and won Best Market & Community Event in the UK twice.

"We were very sad to have cancelled all our events this year, two of which would have been in aid of St Barnabas House Cancer Hospice," Claire added. "Since 2015 we have raised over £20,000 for them, and hope to be back next Christmas instead to continue our fundraising efforts. We were very grateful to have received backing from The Arts Council England recently to enable us to stay afloat during these challenging times and return with our family craft fairs when it is safe to do so."

For more informatino, visit www.thefairytalefair.co.uk