Every winter, something rather special happens at Rowley Mile Racecourse. Thousands of visitors pour through the doors, independent stalls fill the hall with colour and creativity and the whole weekend buzzes with that unmistakable feeling of Christmas on the horizon. And quietly, underneath all of it, something even more important is happening: our local community is coming together to make a real difference.
We are absolutely thrilled to share that the 2025 Presents Galore Christmas Fair raised over £58,000 for three local causes: Cambridge Children’s Hospital, The National Horseracing Museum and Newmarket Charitable Foundation.
That is an extraordinary result, and one that would not have been possible without every single person who played a part.
A Fair with roots in the Newmarket community
Presents Galore has been a fixture of the Newmarket calendar since 1987. That is nearly four decades of festive shopping, community spirit and charitable giving, all centred right here in our town.
Last year’s three-day event, held from 28 to 30 November, welcomed more than 4,500 visitors from across the region. Whether they came to find unique gifts from independent makers, to catch up with friends over the festive season or simply to soak up the atmosphere, every ticket purchased contributed directly to causes that matter.
Hon Frances Stanley, chairman of the Presents Galore Committee, summed it up beautifully. She said “Presents Galore has always been about bringing people together to enjoy a wonderful festive event while making a real difference locally.
“To have raised over £58,000 this year for three such important organisations is incredibly rewarding, and we are enormously grateful to our sponsors, visitors, exhibitors and volunteers who continue to support the fair year after year.”
What the funds mean for Newmarket Charitable Foundation
For NCF, a share of these funds goes directly towards supporting community projects across Newmarket and the surrounding area. Our work touches the lives of local people every day, from grassroots initiatives to longer-term programmes that help build a stronger, more connected community.
Events like Presents Galore are a vital part of how we are able to do that work. Fundraising of this scale takes months of planning and a hugely dedicated team. We are truly grateful to them.
Save the date for 2026
The good news is that you will not have to wait long to do it all again. This year’s Presents Galore Christmas Fair takes place from 27 to 29 November 2026, and early bird tickets go on sale in early August.
Visit www.presentsgalore.org to find out more. Kindly sponsored by Streets Bloodstock Accountancy
