The Wessex Country Fair in support of Salisbury Hospice Charity is going virtual this year.

The event is one of the charity's biggest annual fundraising events and features arena displays, craft stalls, demonstrations, children’s activities, the hospice tea and cake village and much more - attracting thousands of visitors each year and raising more than £30,000 for the hospice.

Due to Covid-19 it has had to be cancelled, which Salisbury Hospice says will have a "detrimental impact" on fundraising for the hospice.

To celebrate the Wessex Country Fair, the charity will be hosting an array of online virtual fundraising games, competitions, demonstration and talks on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday 30.

Activities include:

  • Virtual Shopping Village – The charity has teamed up with Brilliant Little Brands to create an online shopping village with 10 per cent of every purchase made donated to Salisbury Hospice Charity.
  • Paint a Pebble Competition
  • Virtual Dog Show
  • Meet the Hospice Team
  • Demonstrations – watch craft demonstrations from some very talented supporters and have a go yourself at home.

Salisbury Hospice Charity said: "As we find ourselves in times of social distancing and amidst the cancellation of all mass gatherings, Salisbury Hospice Charity has put on their creative thinking caps and have come up with a virtual version of this extremely popular family event."

The virtual event is sponsored by Step Associates Limited.

It is also encouraging supporters to have their own "garden get-togethers" - adhering to government guidelines.

"As large gatherings are not permitted, Salisbury Hospice Charity did not want their supporters to miss- out on the ethos of this fabulous event, so are inviting you, to host, within government guidelines, your own garden get-togethers over the Bank Holiday weekend," the charity added.

"This will be a well overdue opportunity to catch up with friends, family and/or colleagues, whilst raising money for people who are facing a life-limiting illness, from the comfort of your own homes or gardens, or virtually.

"It’s really easy to take part, head over to their website and download your information pack and get planning. There are no registration fees, the charity just asks that you have fun, come up with some creative fundraising games and raise as much as you can for the Hospice."

For more information about the virtual events go to salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk