A CHRISTMAS shopping event taking place this weekend will be the "biggest ever", organisers have said. 

The annual New Forest Eats ‘n’ Treats event will be held at Brockenhurst College on Sunday, November 19.

Now in its fifth year, the annual event is a joint venture between Brockenhurst College, Go New Forest, and New Forest Marque.

Head of marketing and communications at Brockenhurst College, Rebekah Donawa, said: “Eats ‘n’ Treats has grown bigger and better every year, with both traders and public thrilled that Brockenhurst College wants to serve its wider community by staging this event.”

Taking place between 11am and 4pm, the event will feature more than 70 stall holders selling food, drink, and crafts.

Stalls will set up in the college’s Main Hall, while mobile catering outlets, serving a wide variety of hot food, will set up on the nearby staff lawn and in the college’s cafeteria.

There will also be a licensed bar run by Pig Beer, plus live music courtesy of student performers and Southampton Ukulele Jam, who return for a second year.

A wishing tree, Christmas decoration-making and writing-to-Santa activities will also be available to keep children amused.

Plus, there will be food preparation demonstrations from well-known local producers, including top chefs.

All food demonstrations will take place in the College’s fine-dining restaurant, known as MJ’s.

One will be led by Balmer Lawn Hotel Senior Sous Chef Callum Jellicoe, with Joshua Palmer from Rhinefield House Hotel and New Forest Collection Head Chef, Darren Lunn, taking charge of the others.

Former Brockenhurst College commis chef apprentice Darragh Ryan, who participated in BBC1’s MasterChef: The Professionals last month, will also run a food demonstration.

Onsite parking will be provided without charge, while entry will cost £2 for adults and children under 16 will be free.