It's time to Shop the Rock: Rockbourne Fair opens at Salisbury Racecourse today

The annual Rockbourne Fair opened its doors to the public at Salisbury Racecourse this morning (13th October) for three days of boutique shopping in aid of Salisbury Hospital’s charity the Stars Appeal.

This year’s fair has been revamped with a new layout and over 100 boutique sellers. Many favourites have returned, but 40% of the suppliers this year are new to the fair. The event is a treasure trove of stalls selling everything from fashion, cosmetics and jewellery, to luxury homeware, gourmet food and toys.

The president of the Stars Appeal, The Earle of Pembroke said, "After what has been a very testing two years for the Stars Appeal it’s fantastic to see one of its key fund-raising events back in style.

"The organising committee for the Rockbourne fair have done an incredible job at attracting some most diverse and exciting local businesses to Salisbury racecourse for a shopping extravaganza."

The Truckle Cheese Co. are a Cambridge-based business that has been returning to the Rockbourne Fair for over 10 years. Speaking to Love Salisbury they said, “It’s great to be back, it’s buzzing again and it is wonderful to be back shopping. We keep coming back here because of the committee and the customers - it’s a fantastic place!"

Local business, the Wiltshire Bee Keeper, told us that they have been coming to the Rockbourne Fair for eight years.

“We make everything from hand cream to candles, honey and furniture polish from our beehives on Salisbury Plain. The Rockbourne Fiar is a great show, full of friendly people, a well-organised committee and a great atmosphere".

Annabel, from Connock told Love Salisbury that they have been supporting the Stars Appeal for many years.

“The Rockbourne Fair is a great way to connect with local customers and the community. We have been coming for many years and we are a relatively local business so it is great to be here and support a local charity".

For the first time, Wiltshire Makers have a stall at this year's fair.

“We are really excited to be here, we go out to local markets and showcase small artisan makers working from their homes. Today we are showcasing Spire Gin, Wildings Crackling and Sinceris to name a few,” said Terry Kemp.

Sarah Ewen from the Stars Appeal committee told us that 100% of the profits from the Rockbourne Fair go to the Stars Appeal and in previous years the event has raised up to £54,000 for the charity.

"The Stars Appeal support hundreds of people at Salisbury Hospital to enhance their care and treatment and provide support for wellbeing. In the past, money raised by the Stars Appeal has gone towards a CT scanner, providing cancer patients with aromatherapy, providing dedicated accommodation to parents of critically ill children, and free wifi for all patients. These are just some of the examples of what the Stars Appeal do for the hospital.

“We have got some brilliant stalls here from local makers to makers from around the country. There is something for everyone of all ages. We have all been through a hard time and the Rockbourne Fair has a buzz about it. It’s also a social occasion, people come here year after year to meet up with friends. It’s a very friendly and sociable place and we are thrilled to have everyone back”.

The Rockbourne Fair is open 10am-5.30pm Wednesday 13th October, 10am-8pm Thursday 14th October and 10am-3pm Friday 15th October.

Entry for adults costs £5 and under 18s go free with all proceeds going to the Stars Appeal.