It all takes place under one roof inside the brand new exhibition centre at the East of England Showground, Alwalton, Peterborough.

The festival is the perfect destination to get into the festive mood and start your Christmas shopping.

Due to popular demand, the festival is being held over three days this year – today (Friday), Saturday and Sunday.

Now in its fifth year, the Christmas Festival offers a unique shopping experience, with more than 250 gift and craft stands.

Visitors to the festival will have the perfect opportunity to discover a whole host of gift ideas for friends and family, and the food hall will feature some of the best local and regional speciality products.

Plus you will be able to gain some festive food inspiration from the demonstrations on the Christmas Food Stage, which feature throughout the weekend.

The show will be opened by Robin Cousins, judge of ITV's Dancing on Ice, Olympic gold medalist figure skater and choreographer of Mystery, the enchanting and magical Holiday on Ice show coming to the showground in February.

Younger visitors will especially enjoy meeting Father Christmas, and the festive fun continues with a Victorian fun fair.

You will also be able to purchase a delicious mug of hearty soup, from a recipe devised by local schoolchildren.

The Junior Schools Winter Warmer Soup Challenge has involved schoolchildren from across the region, who have devised their favourite soup recipe.

The winning soups are being sold at the festival, with all the profits from the sale going to the successful schools.

For ticket bookings, call 0845 600 5445. Tickets cost £3 for adults today and £5 for adults, both Saturday and Sunday. Children under 16 get in free. Gates open from 9am to 5pm. Car parking is free.