A POPULAR festive shopping event has smashed its fundraising record after raising more than £68,000 for Salisbury District Hospital.

The Rockbourne Early Christmas Fair, held each October at Salisbury Racecourse, raised an incredible £68,191 for the Stars Appeal, the hospital’s charity.

The total beats last year’s record of £62,081 and marks another milestone for the volunteer-run event, now in its 37th year.

Members of the Rockbourne Fair team recently visited the hospital to present the cheque to staff, where they were joined by consultant surgeon Graham Branagan, who chairs the Stars Appeal’s Clinical Ambassadors.

During the visit, the volunteers were shown around the hospital’s Breast Unit and heard how donations are helping to support patients and staff.

Chair of the Rockbourne Fair Committee Bev Moulding said the team were thrilled with the result.

“The Rockbourne Fair team and I are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud to have raised such an amazing, record-breaking amount once again,” she said.

“The generosity shown by our community has been truly heart-warming, and every penny raised will help support Salisbury District Hospital and the local people it cares for.

“Thank you to our wonderful stallholders, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who came along to support the fair.

“Rockbourne Fair is one of the longest-running independent charity fairs in the South West, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back in October 2026.”

Shoppers enjoying Rockbourne Fair 2025.

Money raised by the fair helps the Stars Appeal fund vital projects across the hospital, including state-of-the-art equipment, building improvements and patient support services.

The charity also funds extras to make hospital stays more comfortable, including aromatherapy sessions, free drinks and snacks for chemotherapy patients, and play therapy equipment for children.

The Fair is a staple in the Salisbury social calendar.

Mr Branagan praised the efforts of everyone involved.

He said: “Our sincere congratulations to Bev and the Rockbourne Fair team on this outstanding achievement.

“The work of the Stars Appeal is only possible thanks to the generosity of our local community, and this wonderful event is a shining example of that support in action.

“The funds raised will help us continue making a real difference to the lives of thousands of patients, their families, and the dedicated staff who care for them at Salisbury Hospital.”

The Rockbourne Early Christmas Fair will return to Salisbury Racecourse from October 14 to 16, featuring more than 100 stallholders selling gifts, fashion, homeware, jewellery and gourmet food.