Record numbers of visitors flooded through the gates at Attingham Park for its 8th annual Frost Fair.

Record numbers of visitors flooded through the gates at Attingham Park for its 8th annual Frost Fair.

Almost 14,000 people visited the National Trust site over three days – the largest ever crowd experienced, and nearly 2,000 more visitors than last year.

Despite concerns last week regarding overflow car parking provision, extensive proactive planning by the property team ensured that the event ran without a hitch.

General Manager Mark Agnew has today, praised the huge number of staff and volunteers, who worked hard to ensure that everything ran smoothly.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted with how everyone pulled together to ensure that this year’s Frost Fair was the biggest and best yet.
“We were really worried this time last week, with all the wet weather, that we wouldn’t be able to cope with the amount of cars expected. However, due to rigorous planning, a temporary road-track and excellent parking stewards, we managed to achieve record breaking numbers. 
“We did everything we could to ensure that the fair went ahead – it is a really important event, not only for us as a charity but for all of the local traders who rely on the income it generates.”

The Frost Fair was held in the lower ground floor rooms of Attingham Hall as well as in huge marquees in the Stables Courtyard and at the rear of the house.

Visitors had over 100 stalls to browse which sold locally made jewellery, crafts, festive decorations and wood-turned items. Food lovers stocked up on fruit gin, chocolates, bread, jams, preserves, savouries and locally reared meat.

Flora Hutchison, Events and Marketing Officer, said: “We are thrilled that everything went so well – it exceeded all of our expectations. The feedback from everyone has been really positive and the traders reported excellent sales. Roll on next year.”

Staff and volunteers at Attingham are now busily preparing to launch Attingham Christmas which starts this weekend (8 and 9 December) and from the 15 to 23 December, 11am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm). Step back in time and enjoy festivities of a bygone era with the house decorated for a 1920s celebration. Out in the Deer Park, there will be elves feeding the deer at 2pm every day.

On 8, 9, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23 December, there will also be the chance to step through the magic door to join Father Christmas and his elves in his study, from 10am to 4pm. And from 17 to 19 December families can visit ‘Twilight Santa’ in the mansion from 3.30pm to 6pm.

For more information on this and other events at Attingham Park, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attinghampark or call 01743 708123.