FESTIVE spirit will pulse through the heart of Hexham this weekend when the popular Christmas market and Abbey Christmas fair take over the town.

The programme kicks off with a relaxed afternoon of shopping on Friday, from 2pm till 8pm, and a huge range of stalls – including many run in support of local charities – groaning under the weight of exclusive handmade crafts, gifts, Christmas garlands and so much more.

Many of the town centre shops will be staying open late, too, and serving up refreshments such as hot chestnuts and mulled wine.

Hexham Farmers’ Market will join in on the Saturday, together with a number of traditional fairground rides and a plethora of activities for children. Face painting, real live reindeer and Santa himself will all help make the day that little bit special.

Hexham Abbey will be holding its popular Christmas fair on the Saturday, between 10am and 3pm. There will be a plethora of stalls and refreshments available, too.

Following the success of Hexham’s first Christmas tree festival last year, a second has been arranged to coincide with the fair. A collection of trees decorated by local businesses and community groups will be on display in St Aidan’s United Reformed Church on Hencotes.

The annual Carols in the Park, organised by Churches Together, will take place on Sunday, December 11, at the Bandstand at 4pm.

And there will be a packed programme of music in general taking place throughout the weekend in the Abbey cloisters.

The Christmas Market is managed by Hexham Community Partnership & Hexham Town Council.