How you can get that perfect Christmas present while helping a Harborough school and local businesses at the same time

Welland Park Academy Virtual Christmas Event.

Fancy splashing out for that perfect Christmas prezzie – and boosting a Market Harborough school and a local business at the same time?

Then look no further than an exciting new virtual festive extravaganza being staged by Welland Park Academy PTA and Pom 2021 committee.

It’s going ahead to help replenish their coffers after they held a very successful Christmas Shopping Evening last year to kickstart funds.

“We have organised a Virtual Christmas Event which is going to run for at least three weeks.

“We currently have 18 'stallholders' signed up with more being added each day.

“Each stallholder has paid £10 and provided us with an album of photographs which we have posted onto a Facebook page we have created - Welland Park Academy Virtual Christmas Event,” said Nicki Burgess, personal assistant to the 960-pupil school’s principal Julie McBrearty.

“The page has then been shared on various platforms to encourage people to view the photographs.

“If anyone is interested in any of the items they comment on the photograph and the seller will contact them directly to discuss.

“We went live on Monday night and we have already seen some sales, which is great.

“Many of us will be Christmas shopping online this year so let's try to support small businesses from the Market Harborough area rather than using major retailers.

“Whether it's candles, skincare and make-up, pampering products, girlie dress up, books, jewellery, Lego pictures, decorations and more - why not buy from independent local businesses which need our help?

“Look through the albums and if you are interested in an item, you can either comment on a photo or, if there is a link, message the seller direct. “More stalls will be added over the next week so please keep checking back.

“Grab a glass of mulled wine or a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy shopping from the comfort of your sofa.

“You can enjoy all of the fun with none of the faff!”