Christmas Fair 2022 Update

Rachael our Volunteer Co-ordinator shares an update on the recent Cathedral Christmas Fair, thank you to all those who volunteered at or donated items to the Christmas Fair, which this year raised over £5,300 to support the ministry of the Cathedral.

“Leading this year’s Cathedral Christmas Fair has been the highlight of this festive season so far. I am hugely grateful to all the volunteers that have once again made this event such a success. For the children it was especially magical to meet Santa in his Grotto, pictured above with the Children’s entertainer and also with our Mother Christmases. The Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association (PCCA) kept everyone fed and their freshly brewed mulled wine added to the festive atmosphere.

It was humbling to witness our community coming together to run such a wide variety of stalls including; Children’s (games, toys, books and clothing), Second-hand books, Cakes, Preserves, Chocolate, Bottle and Children’s Tombola's, China, Jewellery and of course the Christmas Raffle. Over 800 people visited in just three hours, and our Cathedral was filled with festive excitement and joy.”

Dean Anthony added, “On behalf of the entire Cathedral community, I want to express my thanks and that of Chapter to Rachael, her organising team and all of the volunteers for delivering such a wonderful Christmas Fair – it was a really lovely event for the whole community, as well as raising much needed funds.”

The Christmas Fair raised over £5,300 with these funds supporting the ministry of the Cathedral (over £4,400) as well as the Flower Guild (almost £250) and the PCCA (over £500). In addition, some stalls supported the work of the Roberts Centre and our link Diocese in Ghana, Sunyani. The Cathedral Shop had another very busy day with the Dean’s Tipple being one of the most popular products! Thanks again to everyone who was involved in making this event such a success, both to those who volunteered on the day and everyone who donated and made goods.

David Price said “Thank you to all the chorister parent team who did such a fantastic job at the Mulled Wine Bar, The Chorister Games in The Fayre and for the superb lunches in Cathedral House – particular thanks to Rachael, Matt, Susan and Lorraine. This event was a brilliant example of how all facets of the cathedral family can come together for such a superb event. Thank you!’

If you would like to be involved with future Cathedral events, please email Rachael on volunteers@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk