Our Story

The Christmas Cotswold Fair was founded by Cotswold local, Lucy Greaves.

Now going into its 40th year, the event is one of the longest running of its kind in the UK, held in aid of national children’s charity, WellChild.

“The Christmas Cotswold Fair began in my home, with a toddler and a baby in tow. As 1985 rolled on, Live Aid came into being and I was unbelievably inspired. I couldn’t sleep knowing that, to date, I hadn’t been able to help those starving babies in their mothers’ arms. I first held a Cricket Ball, and then a dear friend wanted help showcasing her bespoke silk scarves, and following the invitation of five or so other brands, the Fair as we know it was born.

“From stuffing invitation envelopes in hospital while having my third baby, to sieving through hundreds of paper applications (before the advent of the online form), holding marquees down in 80mph winds and trying to find ingenious ways to fend off mud (the plague of a November fair) – there has never been a dull moment.

“Over the past 40 years, it has grown into something wonderful, which does so much good for children’s charities. We have welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors and hundreds of stallholders from across the world. What started out as a few friends on a committee, raising money for charity with tea, coffee and homemade biscuits, has become an exciting juggernaut of over 220 hand-picked artisan designers and brands, with incredible sponsors who I’m so proud to work with – and a passionate committee; some of whom have been with us since the beginning.”

The Fair is now a highlight of the festive season, held in aid of WellChild, the national children’s charity, and has raised over £1.5 million for charity.