SPIRITS were high at a Christmas market hosted by a smallholding last weekend.

Oaktrack Smallholding, based in Charlton Down just outside Andover, held their event on Saturday evening which was well attended, with visitors well and truly getting into the Christmas spirit.

Amanda Beard, who works at Oaktrack, said: “It has gone brilliantly I think. It has been heaving and mad. It may be small but it is about promoting local people and businesses.

“We hold events to raise awareness but also we have a lot of producers in the area, so we bring all the producers together at this event.

“It is about small supporting small.”

As well as a barbecue and refreshments, there was stalls for visitors to do some Christmas shopping.

This included Upton based charcuterie producer Parsonage Farm; artisan breads and Christmas eats from Rise ‘n’ Shine Bakery and handmade chocolates from Tilly’s Treats.

There was also musical entertainment, with Abbotts Ann bell ringers and singer Marie Ponting entertaining the crowds.

One of the stall holders, Sam Slater, owner of Tilly’s Treats, spoke highly of the event.

She told the Advertiser: “It is an amazing event, I have not stopped all night.

“It has been incredibly busy and has got such a nice atmosphere.

“I make everything myself, based in Bradfield.

“I have been going for nearly seven years, having left corporate life behind.

“I sell my products at Oaktrack in the shop.”

Visitors at the event were enjoying the barbecue with meats produced on site, with the shop open for people to purchase meats ready for Christmas.

There was also the chance to meet the donkeys, Oakley and Buster, with adults just as interested as children, according to Amanda.

Not wanting to be upstaged by the donkeys, the smallholding’s dog decided to pay a visit to the Christmas market.

The event, held before the first day of advent, really started the Christmas spirit and the countdown to the big day.

Tina Wells, owner of Oaktrack, said: “We have an abundance of fantastic small local producers and crafters in the area and our Christmas market seemed the perfect opportunity to bring some of them together to showcase their products all under one roof.

“We were overwhelmed by the number of visitors who joined us and have had so much positive feedback - we are delighted.”