Shop for beautiful handmade Christmas gifts from around the world as Flourish Christmas Festival presents the Gold Coast’s largest fair trade marketplace, featuring a celebratory atmosphere of live entertainment, delicious food and fun for all the family.

Proudly presented by Southport Uniting Church, Flourish Christmas Festival takes place on Saturday, November 18 from 10am to 6pm, with a treasure trove of fair trade goods and unique gifts created by local artisans, plus a full program of entertainment culminating in Carols on Dusk.

The event returns in 2017 following the runaway success of Flourish’s inaugural Christmas festival last year, with an expanded format featuring an even greater array of fair trade goods for sale, each ethically sourced and handmade by talented traditional craftmakers in communities around the world.

The festival’s fair trade marketplace will be held outdoors under a large marquee, while indoors, local craftspeople will display their range of handmade and affordable gifts for sale, including decorations, toys and packaged sweets and treats through to handcrafted jewellery, homewares and candles.

Visitors can browse an eclectic range of stalls by reputable organisations including Oxfam, Trading Circle, Leprosy Mission, Destiny Rescue and Nepal Australia Friendship Association.

Fair trade stallholders are joined by local artists and craftmakers, while talented musicians and roving performers enhance the day’s festive atmosphere, with a rousing program of carols to provide a fitting finale to the event.

Visitors can indulge in tasty homemade treats, with a barbecue lunch and decadent ice-cream sundaes on offer, or get hands-on at a series of free arts and crafts workshops.

The festival’s entertainment line-up includes local musicians, bands, buskers, dancers, and roving performers.

Unique Christmas photo opportunities will be available with a life-size nativity scene created by local artist Lesley Rankin with assistance from community volunteers, using recycled timber and found objects.

Especially for children, a creative kids’ zone will keep young minds and hands busy as they make original Christmas gifts and decorations to take home for the family, then burn off any excess energy on the jumping castle.

Registrations are now open from local artists, craftspeople, entertainers and volunteers who would like to be involved in the event.