Christmas party and craft fair in Kirkby a fabulous success

11 December 2025

CRAG (Coxmoor Residents Action Group) supported by CLEO (Community Led Enabled Outcomes) worked together to put on a craft fair and children's party for Ashfield residents.

The party and craft fair was a roaring success and a great example of shared community effort.

27 volunteers worked tirelessly to make sure that the children and families enjoyed the afternoon.

We also had fantastic support from local businesses including Heroux Devtek, Millenium Travel, Tesco Express, and the Family Plaice who donated money for christmas presents for the children, selection boxes, gift cards and food for packed lunches.

Without the support from the Family Hub, Ashfield Play Forum and the Summit Centre the event could not have gone ahead and everyone made sure that the children had a wonderful afternoon.

77 local children had lots of fun making christmas tree decorations with the Family Hub, writing letters to Santa, enjoying books in the quiet corner and singing christmas songs.

They also got to meet Santa and the event was also attended by Mrs Santa, two Elves, the Grinch, and a Nutcracker Soldier. 

Each of the children was given a christmas present and party bag, and they were also given selection boxes, as well as gift cards for older children, 100 books were also given out.

As well as the children's party, there was a craft fair which was enjoyed by over 200 people.

The fair included stalls selling boutique clothing, christmas wreaths, home-made cakes, second-hand books, toiletries and there was also a tombola. There was a lovely buzz to the afternoon and visitors, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and staff all had a marvelous time.

We could not have done this without the many hours, superb effort and local support and our thanks goes to our wonderful volunteers, sponsors and partners on the day.

We would like to thank the following for their help:

• APPH
• Ashfield Play Forum
• Family Hub
• Heroux Devteck
• Tesco Express
• The Family Plaice

As well as our wonderful team of volunteers, supporters and partners, the children's party and craft fair came about through the efforts of CRAG and CLEO.

CRAG (Coxmoor Residents Action Group) is a local group of community minded volunteers who are working together to make positive changes with a big impact on local people. To find out more about the work CRAG does to support Coxmoor residents click HERE. 

CLEO (Community Led Enabled Outcomes) is a Lottery Funded project run by AVA (Ashfield Voluntary Action) which supports community action in Ashfield. Click HERE if you would like to find out more about the work of CLEO, or how you can become involved.