Kirkharle Courtyard's Autumn Fayre

SUPPORT LOCAL AND KICK OFF YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT KIRKHARLE COURTYARD’S AUTUMN FAYRE

This month sees the return of Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard’s annual Food and Craft Fayre, which runs from 25^th to 27^th October and is open from 10am to 4.30pm each day (4pm Sunday).

Now in its fourth year, the Autumn Fayre takes place in the historic 18^th century courtyard and birthplace of ‘Capability’ Brown, known as the Shakespeare of gardening.

The event will showcase more than 40 craft, food and gift stalls from Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria and Scotland in two heated marquees. Dozens of local food producers will offer a wide selection of top quality seasonal food and drink from around the region.

Children are also invited to enjoy the newly opened play area and traditional games in the attractive courtyard.

Kitty Anderson, project co-ordinator at Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard, explained: “Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard will be transformed for our Autumn/Winter Fayre weekend. Visitors will be able to get ahead with their Christmas shopping, with an array of original gifts on offer from some of our region’s most talented craftspeople, as well as Kirkharle’s galleries and boutique shops which are producing special gifts for the occasion.

“In addition to supporting local businesses and producers, we are proud to again be joining forces with Marie Curie, and will raise valuable funds to benefit patients at its Newcastle hospice.”

The Fayre has proved popular throughout the four years it has been running. 

“The event attracted 2,000 people last year, and we hope to attract even more this year,” Kitty said. “Admission and parking are free, so we’re looking forward to welcoming regular visitors to Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard as well as visitors from further afield.”

Beat the winter freeze with the Kirkharle Autumn Fayre 2012

Beat the winter freeze with the

Kirkharle Autumn Fayre 2012

This October get ready to beat the winter freeze at the Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard Autumn Food and Craft Fayre weekend on 26th, 27th and 28h October, from 10am to 4.30pm each day (4pm Sunday).

Now in its third year, the Kirkharle Autumn Fayre has more than 40 craft, gift and food stalls, a large marquee and on-site Kirkharle craft galleries and boutique shops. The event welcomed more than 4,000 people last year and is all set to welcome more this year.

Kitty Anderson, project co-ordinator at Kirkharle, explains: "This year Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard will be transformed for our best ever Autumn Fayre weekend and we're ready to beat the winter freeze.

"The Fayre brings together stallholders of quality and craftsmanship. With an array of original gifts for everyone, visitors will have the cream of the crop for their Christmas list gifts, and find inspired gift ideas and indulge in tasty traditional treats from the food stalls."

Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard is the historic 18^th Century courtyard and birthplace of 'Capability' Brown, known as the Shakespeare of gardening.

Kitty continues: "With outstanding exhibitors from all over the region, as well as Scotland and Carlisle, we have a welcoming heated marquee, and free parking and entry for all."

"With offers at Kirkharle's galleries and boutique shops, everyone is welcome and it's also a chance to support some of the region's most talented craftspeople, there's a hoard of heavenly gifts."

Exhibitors are from Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria and Scotland. There are dozens of locally sourced Northumberland food producers offering an enormous selection of seasonal food and drink from around the region. Whether it's a sit down meal in the restaurant, a quick snack, a bite on the move or festive drinks, with family or friends – Kirkharle's winter wonderland has something for everyone.

For further information tel: 01830 540 362, email: enquiries@kirkharlecourtyard.net or visit www.kirkharlecourtyard.net

New Lake gives Summertime Inspiration at Kirkharle

What: Opening of the new Kirkharle Lake

Where: Kirkharle. Kirkwhelpington, Northumberland, NE19 2PN

When: June and July 2010

When was the first time you strolled around a brand new lake designed 250 years ago?

This will be the first opportunity to experience history in the making and visit the newly created Capability Brown lake, which is now open in the beautiful countryside at Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard.

The lake and parkland are being brought to life at Kirkharle in Northumberland, from a plan dating back to the 1700s.

Northumberland's Lancelot 'Capability' Brown is arguably the most famous landscape gardener in English history and was even described as 'the Shakespeare of gardening' by a German prince.

And now a long forgotten plan drawn by the 18^th century garden designer is now a reality – at his North East birthplace at Kirkharle.

Kitty Anderson, project co-ordinator for Kirkharle Creative, said: "We've got a fantastic summer ahead of us and I'd like to think Capability Brown would have been pleased that we are doing something to remember him by at his birthplace.

"We already have a thriving visitor attraction here, with a diverse range of businesses and we are now adding to it and making it even more exciting."

It is believed that the design for the lake and adjoining parkland may be the first plan ever drawn by Capability Brown, who left Kirkharle in 1739 to pursue his career.

Kirkharle now houses 12 arts, gallery, tourism and craft businesses, as well as a restaurant, coffee shop and function room.

For families, there's also a special Sunday Lake Opening Lunches at Kirkharle restaurant throughout June.

The Lake will add to the enjoyment and interest of visitors to the site, which features Kirkharle Courtyard, a gallery shopping and heritage attraction.

Brown was born at Kirkharle in 1716 and went on to design more than 100 landscapes across Britain, including gardens at Blenheim and Longleat, and was master gardener for King George III.

The present owner of Kirkharle, John Anderson, discovered Brown's plan in a desk drawer when he was going through his grandfather's papers.

The project is being supported by Northumberland County Council, using Rural Development Programme for England funds provided by One North East, the EU and Defra, Northumbrian Water and charitable donations.

Visitors can also enjoy the Capability Brown exhibition on show and the Grade I listed St Wilfrid's Church, which dates back to 1336, and was where Brown was baptized.

For more information, or to book tel: 01830 540362,
Email or log on to www.kirkharlecourtyard.net