Truro Christmas Market 2024: See the faces behind this year's fabulous selection of stalls
Twinkling fairy lights, the hum of cheerful carolers at the cathedral, live music and the sight of cosy wooden cabins transform the bustling city into a winter wonderland
As the holiday season descends on Cornwall, the air in Truro, particularly, is filled with the enticing aromas of mulled wine and sizzling sausages. The annual Christmas Market, nestled in the heart of the city, is back and more enchanting than ever.
Twinkling fairy lights, the hum of cheerful carolers at the cathedral, live music and the sight of cosy wooden cabins transform the bustling city into a winter wonderland.
This year, the market on Lemon Quay boasts an impressive lineup of dozens of varied traders, each offering a unique selection of handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and festive decorations. From hand-blown glass art to artisanal candles and bespoke jewellery, there’s something to charm every visitor. And not forgetting the Boscawen Street Christmas Market, operating on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
Of course, no Christmas market is complete without its culinary delights. Foodies can indulge in a variety of festive fare, from traditional German bratwurst to warming crumble pots and crepes. For those looking to warm up, steaming mugs of mulled cider and rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream are a must.
Among the standout food stalls this year is the stalwart that is Daddy D's, on Lemon Quay every year and known for its authentic Caribbean food. Sloth & Sparrow, a newcomer to the market, offers an array of vegan treats, ensuring no one misses out on the festive flavours.
The market isn’t just about shopping and eating; it’s a place to create memories. Families can enjoy rides on the traditional carousel, and live performances from local musicians and choirs add to the merry atmosphere, ensuring there's never a dull moment.
Whether you're hunting for the perfect gift, savouring seasonal flavours, or simply soaking in the festive spirit, Truro Christmas Market is the place to be this holiday season. Open daily until December 24, it promises to deliver joy and wonder for all ages. Keep reading to see some of the faces behind several of this year's stalls and their origin stories.
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Rock Gin
If you stumble across the Rock Gin hut this Christmas, you might meet funnyman Chris and the delightful Holly. The pair's jokes are almost as delightful as the gins themselves and the two are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Truro Christmas Market "virgins" as they tell me, Rock Gin is all about clean alcohol, with absolutely zero artificial ingredients. "The only thing artificial around here is my jokes," Chris quips.
The pink champagne gin and blue angel gin - made from blue gardenia flowers imported all the way from Thailand - are a must try.
(Image: Cornwall Live)1 of 8Nature Kitchen
Another Cornwall-based business that you may well have spotted on the market in previous years is that of Nature Kitchen, your one-stop-shop for all things herbs and spices.
Every single pot of goodness has been blended on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, where the business has been operating for the past two decades. Colin Glanville, who you might spot behind the stand this Christmas, says hot blends like the inferno and the vindaloo are the favourites.
The funky packaging and unique flavours make for an ideal Christmas gift for any spice or flavour lover.
(Image: Cornwall Live)2 of 8Sweet Bamboo
George Sweet, from Saltash, spent a chunk of time at the Truro Christmas Market to kick things off, but you won't be able to see him there again this year.
His Cornish-based bamboo-wrapped travel coffee cup and thermos bottle business, however, is easily found online. "We're aiming to provide unique products to encourage people to reuse them," he said.
The business is in its fourth year but this is the first market event he's participated in. "I still work full time too, so it's been a trial for us," he said.
(Image: Cornwall Live)3 of 8Wildlife Botanicals
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The ever-so-pretty stand of Wildlife Botanicals will be sure to catch your eye. Serving up two flavours of ultra-low alcohol fizz, Penny Rice-Payton tells me: "It's bubbles with benefits. It's inclusive of everyone. Even little ones can have a sip."
Crafted in Cornwall, at a botanical nursery, every bottle starts its life at 14% ABV and ends at 0.5%. "For every one glass of normal wine you drink, you could drink 20," she explains. They sell a nude and a sparkling blush.
(Image: Cornwall Live)4 of 8
