It is said to be “the most wonderful time of the year”, and to begin the celebrations Nelson and Colne College held a festive market for the whole family to enjoy.

festive-market-2-for-webHundreds of visitors attended the fun-filled event – with many enjoying a spot of Christmas shopping and browsing around 60 stalls. There was chance to visit Santa and his reindeer, make Christmas cards with the College’s Creative and Digital team, and take part in a Frozen sing-a-long with Elsa and Anna. A penalty shoot-out was also held in the Sports Hall, and guests were given time to enrol onto new courses, including hair and beauty masterclasses and cookery schools.

Entertainment was provided by the Allegra String Quartet, and warming refreshments were on offer around the College, including in Farringtons Restaurant and Bistro. Businesses attending the event over the weekend included All About the Buttons, The Paprika Lady and Polly’s Knits.

The festive market also marked the official launch of Distinction Hair and Beauty, which includes a new nail studio, reception and media make-up suite. Throughout the event, staff promoted treatments and their Children’s Parties, sold discounted products and hosted activities, including face painting.

Assistant Principal Paul Britton said: “Here at NCC, we are passionate about our local community, and it was fabulous to see so many residents and traders getting into the festive spirit at our annual market.

“Thank you to everybody who supported the event and helped to make it such a huge success!”

Many guests took to Nelson and Colne College’s Facebook page following the festive market to praise the event, and the amount of activities on offer.

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Charlene Rutherford, 31, from Nelson, who attended the event with her four-year-old daughter Molly-Eve Elizabeth, said: “My daughter and I had a good time – Molly-Eve Elizabeth loved meeting and singing with Elsa and Anna, and meeting Santa!” The next NCC open event will take place on January 27th between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Anybody wanting any more information about new courses starting in January, including pottery, comfort foods and ale, and Spanish, can contact 01282 440272.

Thank you to everybody who took part in the event, including:  Munchkin Cakes, Ellis Milkshake and Smoothie Bar,  Super Cooper Candy, The Paprika Lady Ltd, Hello Sweetie, Becky’s Cake Boutique, Slimming World, Strawberry J&M, Aishya, The Body Shop, Arbonne/Avon, Temple Spa, Arbonne, Timeless Beauty Massage, Forever Living Aloe Vera, Forever Moore Crafts, Spellbound Craftz, Kell’s Creations, Re-Stitched with Love, The Tinker’s Box, Twit Twoo Gifts 4 You, Craft Rangers, Carol Jackson, Clarich Wall Decor, LR Ceramics, Yvonne Jones, Dolly Face Creations, Origami Devotion and Gremlin Queen, Party Lyte, Bathtime Bakery, Scent Pot Sisters, Rainy Days and Mondays, Ann Ingham, A Home is Made from Hope and Dreams, Elinor Rose Designs, Hand Crafted by Stuart, All About the Buttons, Polly’s Knits, Moo Moo Melts, Kath Heywood Designs, Eco Burne Business Enterprise, UsBe Engineer, Christmas Collections, It’s a Mugs Life, Georgie Boys Flowers, Simply Gifts, The Bluebell Box, Foundation Fancies, Real, Lynne’s Jewels, JT Boutique, K.Ink Clothing, Crispy Couture, Beads, Bracelets and Bangles, Diva and Dolls Boutique, Heart and Soul, Geeky Treats, Little Treats Boutique, Tom’s Tops, Barrowford Pet Shop, Marsden Heights Community College, Hameldon Community College. Northern Life Magazine, Pendle Leisure Trust, Santa’s Grotto, Departments across Nelson and Colne College.