Now in its fourth year, the British Ironwork Centre’s exclusive annual Christmas launch took place last week and was a massive festive success.

Designed to recognise the company’s loyal members, it showcased the Ironworks’ best in-house and local artisans, their festive wares, their newest displays, and the unveiling of the Christmas range.

The event brought in a hoard of curious visitors looking to get a little bit merry! Even Father Christmas was there, all the way from the North Pole, to help them inject some real festive spirit.

Adorned with an array of sparkling Christmas lights and decorations, the café and showroom were completely transformed into an indoor market of festive displays, jolly music and a delicious selection of hors d’oeuvres and piping hot mulled wine.

The event featured a hand-picked selection of Buy From Shropshire’s very best fledgling businesses and on-site artisans, including Georgina the potter who presented us with a myriad of hand-crafted pottery, as well as her Christmas experience offerings; Jackie from Wigglers, who presented her child-friendly craft workshops, including finger painted plates, to all of our visiting parents; and not to be forgotten Sam the Silversmith, who demonstrated his skills while displaying some of his finest silver jewellery – the perfect gift for someone special!

Buy From Shropshire, who offer extensive support to independent businesses across the county, featured a fantastic range of crafters and producers. From tasty treats to unique crafts all the way to an afternoon tipple, these businesses offered up everything you could ever need for a successful Christmas celebration. The Shropshire-based businesses included What a Pickle, Cheese Nibbles, Chiltern Liquors, Cordelia’s House of Treasures, Elizabeth Beckett Skincare and Meg Hawkins Artist. We have worked now with “Buy From Shropshire” for some time, having a permanent display of their independent businesses’ wares in our showroom, and we were incredibly impressed with every one of their displays at our event.

The cherry on top of our Christmas event was the fantastic Contraband Quartet, part of the Clywyd Clippers Choir. Each member sang absolutely beautifully and really raised our festive spirits up high. The singing throughout the event gave our members a special taste of the live music we see performing in our Forge Café every single weekend!

Clive Knowles, managing director, said: “We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved in the evening. To all of the businesses, makers, crafters and artists who showcased their work, our helpful staff and our wonderful members – without you it wouldn’t have been quite as lovely and festive as it was!”

Father Christmas’s Grotto is now open and runs every weekend until December 22. Every child who visits the magical winter wonderland will be treated to exclusive merry snacks, a special gift and a truly unforgettable experience.

Tickets from www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk/shop/christmas-grotto-tickets