Remembering our Candlelit Christmas Shopping Evening

On the evening of 16th November, we celebrated the start of the Christmas season in style at our Candlelit Christmas Shopping Evening; a night of live store experiences and music, bespoke gifting opportunities and of course, the finest food, drink and presents all ready for Christmas. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a magical celebration. If you weren't able to get a ticket this time, or would like to relive the evening, join us as we reminisce on some of our favourite moments from the evening...

We were joined by a host of talented musicians, who's tones reverberated throughout the store.

Keith Fairburn's Groove Collective
Renowned Funky Soul Jazz band, Keith Fairbairn's Groove Collective brought a spring to everyone's step with their groovy beats. A world-class line up of performers and one of the UK Jazz and Studio scene's leading percussionists, we can't wait to welcome Keith and his ensemble back for more.

Christmas Choir
Traditional carols sung by a 20 voice choir from from Oxfordshire's finest choirs and Burford’s Lenthall Concert Society, truly got us all into the true festive spirit. The Lenthall Concert Society has brought the finest classical music to Oxfordshire from Europe and the world since 1992, ready to spread nostalgic yuletide cheer.

Mike Maddams
Lit by the twinkling lights of our Café, Mike serenaded our evening supper guests with the charming sounds of his acclaimed guitar playing. Mike is known by many Oxfordshire locals for his limitless musical talent and skills with the Dobro, Mandolin, Banjo, Acoustic and Electric Guitars.

Guests were able to learn how to create the most striking of festive foliage decorations with our expert team. From fabulous door wreaths to beautiful garlands, many new skills were learnt to create fabulous natural creations at home this Christmas.

Fresh foliage inspiration grew in other areas of the store, as Lucy Hunter, author visual storyteller, floral designer and award-winning landscape designer, joined us to create a Christmas floral table installation before signing copies of her new book, ‘The Flower Hunter’. Known for her seasonal, wild and inherently natural creations, learn more about Lucy's creation and brand new book.

We were also delighted to be joined by Dee Hardwicke; artist, designer and knitter with a rich and diverse portfolio steeped in the artisan traditions of the Arts & Crafts movement, inspired by a love of Britain's ever-changing landscapes, parks and cottage gardens. Displaying pieces from her brand new book 'The Knitted Fabric: Colourwork Projects for You and Your Home' and treating guests to a special book signing, many knitters relished the chance to meet and talk to Dee, as well as taking away their prized signed copies.

A real treat was provided by master chocolatier Jayne Swayne alongside the founders of Makers & Merchants as they produced tastings of mouthwatering herb infused chocolates, created with fresh cream. Our last remaining choice chocolates boxes are available in store, whilst stocks last.

Festive food favourites continued to flow throughout our Food Hall, most notably, guided wine tastings with our sommeliers, James and John. An insightful tour of our favourite Christmas wines, from tasting notes to the perfect pairing provided many of our guests with both a well informed and stocked wine cellar for celebrations this Christmas. Discover our favourite tipples for this season in our handy guide to the Burford Cellar.

We were delighted to launch our brand new collaboration range with Lola's Apothecary, 'Winter Rose'. Guests enjoyed learning all about the creation and ingredients infusing this beautiful new range, as well as enjoying a complimentary hand massage, complete with a glass of fizz! From a sumptuous Body Soufflé to restorative body oils, explore our brand new exclusive scent and learn all about the natural essences and botanicals used to design this limited fragrance.

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