PUT the date in your diary – a popular event is set to return to Romsey.

The annual Romsey Abbey Christmas Fair will be coming back on December 1.

The event will be held in the Crosfield Hall and give residents the opportunity to start their Christmas shopping and have fun.

There will be several stalls selling a variety of items including food hampers, homemade preserves, bread and cakes, books, Christmas decorations, framed pictures, jewellery, cards, stationery.

Children will have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas in his grotto while The Romsey Abbey C of E Primary School choir will perform throughout the day.

Choir director Marion Maxey said: “The choir are really looking forward to singing at this year’s Abbey Christmas Fair and we are hoping that lots of people will come along to listen to the choir.”

There will be lots of biscuits and cakes and for those wanting to really get into the festive spirit there will be mulled wine and mince pies.

Liz Wagner, the fair’s organiser, said: “There is something for all ages and everyone will be very welcome.”

The Abbey Christmas Fair, which has become a major fundraising event for the abbey, will be run from 10am until 2.30pm.

Admission is £1 for adults while entry is free for children. All the proceeds of the fair will help with the upkeep and running of the Abbey.

Cllr Martin Hatley, deputy mayor of Test Valley and The Rev Thomas Wharton, vicar of Romsey, will open the event along with Romsey Town Crier Terry Hamer and the Romsey Abbey Bell Ringers.