Details released for Christmas Fort Event
By Connor Steel
ONE OF GOSPORT’S oldest forts will receive a festive revamp later this month following an announcement that a two day Christmas themed event will be held at Brockhurst on the weekend of November 20-21 to start the countdown until the big day.
Gosport Gallery And Search Charity is taking over the 170-year old building as part of a special event titled ‘Festive Fun at the Fort’, with its main feature being a craft market that could see up to 50 local sellers across the weekend as all slots have now been taken.
Other attractions will include pre-booked craft demonstrations, live music entertainment, delicious food stalls, family activities and much more to get residents into the Christmas spirit; with further updates expected in the build up to this new and exciting event.
Children will also be entertained with two story time sessions on Saturday morning, which may include a visit from Father Christmas himself. Across both days there will also be face and body art design available from Stargazing Moon, whilst the craft session places can be booked here.
Visitors are encouraged to come and support local makers / businesses, particularly after a long 18 months; with organisers hoping to encourage huge crowds to this unique craft fair setting. Doors will open between 10am and 4pm on both days, being free to everybody with donations welcome for charity.
This event will offer all visitors a rare sight of Fort Brockhurst during the winter months, normally closed for the public over the winter months and is only open once a month in the spring / summer periods; which follows the pattern of other sites owned by English Heritage.
So far on Facebook this event has seen 439 people confirm their attendance, with another four thousand registering their interest on a designated page. Posters and banners have also been distributed across many key Gosport locations, including the ferry, tourist information centre and indeed the fort itself.
Parking is available at the event using the parade ground, with visitors asked not to use the adjacent Range car park on Gunners Way. As seen in open days such as GHODs events elderly and disabled people will be welcome, but should take extra care in certain areas due to high steps or uneven ground. Sadly it is not yet known whether dogs will be allowed to attend as normal on previous open days.
At present there will be no official rules or guidance regarding Covid-19, although hand washing facilities are available at visitor stations and organisers are encouraging those to wear masks in case of large crowds. They have also warned of potential cancellations of activities due to weather-related issues, particularly given the building and its open nature.
If anybody requires further information they are asked not to contact Fort Brockhurst directly and are advised to call Gosport Gallery instead using 02393 877840.
PICTURED BY CONNOR STEEL: Inside of Fort Brockhurst Grounds on a summer open day
