Christmas Cracker (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Christmas Cracker

Join Cotswold Essence as we do some Christmas shopping and help raise money for a very worthy local cause.

Will it be this year or next - just how long have you been promising to get organised for Christmas?

The very prospect of confronting chaotic queues amid the frantic festivities is enough to make you sack Santa.

But you can stay one step ahead of the seasonal stress - and help a local charity - by putting a special event in your diary today.

On Thursday and Friday, October 27 and 28, why not swap the High Street for the high life with champagne and canaps at a Cotswold shopping extravaganza that oozes charm, calm and class?

The Cobalt Appeal Fund is once again staging the Ultimate Christmas Shopping experience in the stunning setting of Rendcomb College, near Cirencester. This luxurious event, in aid of the Crack Cancer Campaign, will inspire you with a range of great gifts for everyone on your list.

The experience begins with a Gala Night - to be opened this year by best-selling author Freya North, who will sign copies of her sassy new novel Love Rules.

Fizz and nibbles will be served on arrival as you browse around 50 stunning stalls laden with perfect presents - and tempting treats for you too.

Fabulous fashions and accessories will be on sale - including high-quality clothing, jewellery, hats, bags and scarves. Milliner Serena Holdsworth, who created the hat author Jilly Cooper wore to Charles and Camilla's wedding, will be attending with her ready-to-wear range, while Lucy Hayler of London will be on hand with beautiful butterfly and feather hairclips, bright spotty bags and Harris Tweed totes.

Gorgeous gifts will be available from stallholders who go to great lengths to source unique products from all over the world. From decorative items through to practical presents such as ski accessories and shooting seat sticks with built-in umbrellas!

It's the ideal event away from the madding crowds to find a piece of jewellery or unique keepsake for someone special. Or, if you're looking for something to keep the whole family amused and entertained, the Real Games Company will be returning with its huge selections of board, card and garden games.

You will also be able to purchase gorgeous Christmas decorations and charity cards. Try before you buy with many of the fine foods on offer, including French delicacies, cheese, chocolates and fine olive oils from Italy.

Gala Night, which runs from 6.30pm to 9pm, will feature jazz pianist Tom Wakefield and a mini fashion show with models accessorised by the stall-holders.

To sum up, it has all the ingredients for a great night out, where you can meet your friends, soak up the festive atmosphere in the beautiful surroundings of Rendcomb College and solve all your Christmas gift problems under one roof.

If you can't make it to the evening event, don't despair! The shopping continues from 10am to 3pm on Friday October 28, when along with your pile of presents, you will also be able to buy delicious lunches and drinks from the licensed bar.

The Ultimate Shopping Experience, this year sponsored by property agents Knight Frank and Cotswold Essence magazine, aims to raise thousands of pounds for a cause close to many people's hearts.

The Cobalt Appeal Fund will use the money raised to help to purchase an ultrasound scanner for a planned Family Cancer Clinic headed by James Bristol. The Clinic will manage the care of women with an increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer through genetic link.

The Cheltenham-based charity - which recently celebrated its 40th birthday - has, over the last year, pledged more than £600,000 to provide equipment and services to support cancer patients locally.

Tickets for the Ultimate Christmas Shopping Experience are available from September 1 by calling Cirencester Visitor Information Centre on 01285 654180.

Gala Night tickets cost £10 for adults, which includes fizz and nibbles on arrival (£5 for over-12s). Tickets for the daytime event cost £5, which includes coffee and pastry, or pay £4 on the door for entry to the event only. For further information, please email fundraising@cobaltappeal.com or call the fundraising team on 01242 535900.