CALLS are being made for people to get behind a community fundraising fair that is aiming to upgrade a village playground. 

The 25th Stockbridge Contemporary Craft Fair is raising funds to replace worn-out playground equipment in Longstock.

The fair, which is running from September 27 to 29 at Stockbridge’s Town Hall, will be showcasing a range of handmade boutique items.

Up to 20 handpicked artists and craftspeople will be selling their wares at the fair, with products including glass art, handmade jewellery, pottery, clothing and furniture.

There will be a charity tombola with every exhibitor donating an item to raise money for the playground.

While it’s the craft fair’s 25th anniversary, it’s the first year adding a charity element

Rebecca Jay, one of the fair’s organisers said: “Where you can give back, you should. We wanted to support a local charity; the playground was probably the most needy.”

For a modest investment of £5 per ticket (or 5 tickets for £20), all visitors will have the chance to win what could be a valuable prize with fine jewellery, handmade furniture and bespoke clothing amongst the many items on sale.

The organisers said: “We are running an Instagram campaign featuring each exhibitor’s work and to raise awareness of the charitable effort, for which we are extremely grateful for the generosity and support of all our exhibitors.”

Alongside the tombola, the fair will also be taking donations for the playground via cash or card.

The village of Longstock has limited facilities, with no public transport links and the current playground equipment is decaying after 15 years of use. 

Money raised will go towards the purchase and installation of a new slide, zip wire, basket swing and keep-fit equipment for adults, with the aim that the recreation area will provide a service for all ages, for residents of Longstock and neighbouring villages.

Currently, volunteers inspect the equipment each week to keep track of the damage and to ensure there are no risks to children.

The community, led by the Renovation and Maintenance of the Longstock Playground volunteer group, need to raise at least 25 per cent of the funds for the playground, with the rest being funded by grants.

The fair is open 11am-5pm on Friday, September 27 and 10am-5pm on Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29.

For more information on the Stockbridge Contemporary Craft Fair, visit their Instagram page @stockbridge_craft_fair