IT MAY barely be August, but Swindon-based brewery Arkell’s is already preparing for a new Christmas event.

On Tuesday, the brewery announced plans to host a special Christmas Market to celebrate the colder seasons at the Kingsdown Brewery in Kingsdown, Stratton.

The event, which if successful will become a regular winter feature in the brewery’s calender, is set to take place on Saturday, December 12.

Brewery managing director George Arkell said: “Arkell’s Brewery is a magical place at Christmas and we want to share it with everyone this Christmas.

“We’ve got the space and it’s a wonderful time to get everyone together.”

Arkell’s is now asking for independent traders to apply to set up shop for the day at the one-day fair, offering their own wares to Christmas shoppers alongside the brewery. They also hope to have a range of other activities for visitors to enjoy.

Head brewer Alex Arkell said: “Arkell’s Brewery comes alive at Christmas, probably more than at any other time of the year.

“We’re brewing, bottling and delivering non-stop to ensure our pubs are fully stocked at one of their busiest times of the year and as soon as Christmas day is over, we’re back out there, delivering for the New Year celebrations.

“So the atmosphere around the brewery is buzzing from November right through to January and we’re looking forward to sharing it with visitors.”

Those interested in having a stall at this new event should register their interest on the Arkell’s website, www.arkells.com

Planning for the new Arkell’s Christmas Fair has already started and more information will become available throughout the year.

The family-run brewery was first established in Swindon in 1843 and is the town’s oldest established company.

Originally a steam brewery, with the engines now being powered by electricity, Arkell’s is a tower brewery which works on the principle that raw materials are fed into the top of the building and beer comes out in casks at the bottom.

The brewery itself is a Grade II listed building. The brewery owns 97 pubs in the Swindon area and surrounds, including locations in Oxford, Newbury, Reading, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Ascot.