Festive spirit comes to Salisbury in aid of the Stars Appeal

The trail hunting community in Salisbury has raised £1,800 for the Stars Appeal after hosting its annual Christmas market, The Foxy Fair.

For the third year in a row, Wilton Hunt organised the event, which attracted around 700 shoppers. Held at West Barn Lodge near Salisbury, the market featured over 40 festive stalls from local businesses, mulled wine, delicious local produce, and children’s entertainment.

The money raised will go towards the £1 million Stars Appeal, the charity for Salisbury Hospital. It raises funds for new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury District Hospital, including the Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, hospital chaplaincy, support for patients with cancer, and accommodation for parents of poorly babies and children in hospital.

Becky Mann, co-organiser, said: “We were so pleased with the turnout this year. In spite of Storm Bert, we think around 700 people came along. It really was a lovely festive day, and it gave people an opportunity to get their Christmas shopping sorted and support artisan businesses and crafts people.

“We had a wonderful selection of stall holders with gorgeous products. There was a brilliant café run by hunt supporters with delicious offerings including local beef goulash, which was a sell out, mulled wine and scrummy sweet treats. Our Mega Hamper Raffle was a huge success together with children’s activities including roasting s’mores over the fire. Father Christmas even managed to pay us a little visit and read some festive stories to the children. Due to Storm Bert this was relocated to a shoot trailer at the very last minute as our tipi was about to fly away, but it still worked very well. The use of the beautiful West Barn Lodge, a stunning wedding and events venue, was also kindly donated to us by a local farming family, meaning that more of the money raised was able to go to charity.

“We are proud to have supported the Stars Appeal again this year – they do fabulous work to raise much needed funds for a hospital that is close to our hearts here in Salisbury.”

Louise Hall, who is a member of the Stars Appeal Fundraising Committee, said: “We want to thank Becky, Victoria and their team for organising such a fun-filled festive event. We are so grateful to everyone who gave so generously to the Stars Appeal. The money raised will help the charity to do even more for patients, their families, and NHS staff at Salisbury District Hospital.”

The Wilton Hunt is also running a separate fundraiser for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance through its tumblers’ club – a fundraising tradition which means that any rider who falls from their horse during a trail hunt has to contribute £10 to charity on the day. Although still early in the season there have been several (safe) fallers so they have already collected a good sum towards this donation.