Community in Action: Artisan Quarter Christmas Market Delivers for Chippenham

At the heart of Chippenham, community is something we don’t just talk about — it’s something we do.

The 2024 Christmas Market in the Artisan Quarter, proudly hosted by Octoprint, proved exactly that. Despite severe winter weather disrupting what was originally planned as a three-day event, the determination and spirit of our local businesses and volunteers ensured the market could be rescheduled and delivered successfully.

What could have been a disappointment became a shining example of resilience, collaboration and generosity.

Turning Challenge into Success

Thanks to the dedication of the Artisan Quarter team, traders, volunteers and supporters, the event was warmly received by the public and created a festive, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of town. Most importantly, the market raised an incredible £1,304.27, which has now been donated to the remarkable local charity Springboard Chippenham.

Springboard’s ethos — “Maximising Ability: Minimising Disability” — reflects the life-changing support they provide to children and families across North Wiltshire. When representatives visited the facility to present the donation, they were deeply moved by the dedication, care and professionalism of Jane Boulton BEM and her exceptional team. It was a powerful reminder of why keeping fundraising local truly matters.

A True Team Effort

Events like this simply don’t happen without extraordinary effort behind the scenes.

A huge thank you goes to Terry Kearton at Octoprint, whose commitment, organisation and generosity in providing the premises as a base of operations made the entire event possible.

Special recognition also goes to Stefan Pratt and Kayleigh O’Callahan — a real team effort without which the market could not have taken place — and to Stuart Upson of Absolute Mustard for delivering the marketing design that helped bring the event to life.

We are also incredibly grateful to The Dance Academy for offering their premises to accommodate many of the smaller stall holders, ensuring inclusivity and opportunity for independent traders.

Thank you as well to Liz Alstrom, Matthew Short, Caroline King, and everyone who contributed in the run-up and on the day itself. Your time, energy and belief in the event demonstrate exactly what makes our town special.

Celebrating Chippenham at Its Best

This is the kind of collaboration the Chippenham Chamber and Town Team champions — businesses and residents working side by side to strengthen our local economy while supporting vital community services.

From the creative energy of the Artisan Quarter to the historic charm of the Market Place and the green spaces of Monkton Park, Chippenham continues to show that while we may be growing and attracting investment, our greatest strength remains our people.

You can travel far and wide, but nothing beats coming home to Chippenham — a thriving Wiltshire market town where community action makes a real difference.

If you would like to learn more about Springboard Chippenham or offer support, please visit: www.springboardchippenham.co.uk

Together, we are shaping a vibrant, resilient and compassionate Chippenham — for today and for generations to come.