Looking for a budget-friendly, green alternative to Christmas Fairs this year? One St Albans woman has the answer!

Carolyn Philpot came up with the idea of a ‘Green Christmas Fair’ when she realised she had items around the house that she didn’t use that were in good condition or brand new.  

The fair will be held on Saturday, November 12, at St Julian’s Church, near Cottonmill Lane from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. 

Carolyn said: “I know Christmas fairs are popular this time of year, but I feel this is a new approach of encapsulating the strong green ethos we have as a city where up cycling and repurposing are strong movements here.” 

As the cost of living crisis continues, Carolyn hopes to bring more people and families together to make it a little easier to get some extra cash or some gifts for their children.

The single mum said: “I have been off work for eight months now and I have been diagnosed with a chronic pain condition and I have been feeling the pressure of money like many others. So, I just wanted to have fun and enjoy this Christmas and forget some of the stress. 

“It will also give people the opportunity to make some money before Christmas and for other people, it gives them a chance to do some Christmas shopping and buy some good quality gifts. It is also a good way to be sustainable and reuse things we don’t need any more but someone else might.” 

People can rent a table at the event to sell their unused, new or almost new gifts whether they are toys, toiletries, jewellery, or household items.

Sellers can take the money home and all the proceeds made at the toy tombola will go to the St Albans Foodbank. 

There will also be homemade cake, refreshments and a game made by Carolyn’s daughter to take home for every child that attends. 

“I love Christmas and I hate the idea of people being stressed about Christmas," Carolyn added.

"So, I thought if I could just help enjoy Christmas while making it a little more affordable, then that would be great."