A FESTIVE open day on Saturday November 22 with fun, food and Father Christmas will aim to get locals in the Christmas spirit and help raise money for the Midlands Air Ambulance.

The open day takes place between 11amand 3pm at Ellenden Farm Shop, near Harvington, recently shortlisted for one of Wychavon District Council’s Intelligently Green awards, and includes cookery demonstrations by Paul Napper, head chef of the Evesham Hotel, to showcase the food that is grown locally.

Father Christmas arrives by horse and carriage at 12pm and if weather permits visitors will be able to take a short horse and carriage ride around the farm. He will then speak to children in a traditional London Bus, which will be decked out as a Christmas grotto courtesy of Graham Smith from Broadway.

The Harvington Handbells will be setting the festive scene from 1pm to 3pm, children will be entertained with face painting and arts and crafts courtesy of Pam Kelly who is head of arts and graphics at Prince Henry’s High School, and Andrea Jones, a school governor from Harvington First School.

There will also be a dog agility competition to watch, the Croome Pony Club will be running a mounted games practice and the Evesham Fire Service are booked to attend.

Sara Turner who runs the farm shop with her husband, David said: “This day is about bringing the community together, not only so they can see and taste the wonderful, ethically farmed food that is available on their doorstep – and at prices that match those of the supermarkets, but also so they can savour a fantastic, family and festive atmosphere and a unique experience that they won’t get anywhere else that weekend.”

There is no entry charge for the experience but the couple would welcome donations which will go towards operating costs for the Midlands Air Ambulance.