Reindeer coming as Lowe's Farm Shop in Byley supports local businesses

Children will be able to meet Santa's helpers free of charge at Lowe's Farm Shop in Byley on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13 from 10am to 3pm. The farm shop will be open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Various other small specialist businesses on the site will be offering a range of Christmas gifts and treats.

Lowe's Farm Shop offers a wide variety of home grown seasonal vegetables

"We are confident we have a system in place to keep everyone safe as well as making sure everyone has an enjoyable time," said Graham Lowe, who runs the farm with wife Tracy and sons Tom and Sam.

"We want to bring families a bit of Christmas cheer. People support us all year so it is nice to give something back. Two different reindeer will be here each day on straw in a long greenhouse.

Graham Lowe and family collie Max

"Visitors will walk through Christmas trees to see them. It will feel very festive. We just ask everyone to be patient as they may have to queue. There will be a festive feel as we will have music playing and mince pies and mulled wine will be available."

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Children will also be able to see the resident pygmy goats and Welsh Mountain ponies, who usually attract a lot of visitors in spring and summer when new foals are born.

The farm in Moss Lane has been transformed into a flourishing business since it started 62 years ago.

Lowe's farm shop stocks 40 different seasonal vegetables plus home grown beef and pork, Christmas hampers and wreaths, fresh bread, cakes, pies, condiments and various household items, all sourced locally.

A supply of Scottish Christmas trees arrived today.

Christmas trees arrived today from pine forests in Scotland

"Since lockdown, people have been doing a lot more cooking at home," said Graham. "People really appreciate the different taste of home grown produce. A lot of our customers say they feel safer shopping in the countryside out in the fresh air.

Fresh from farm to fork, Lowe's offers a wide selection of home grown produce

"Buying vegetables that are in season is more environmentally friendly."

Lowe Farm is now home to nine other creative businesses so visitors will have a chance to browse round when they visit the reindeer and do some Christmas shopping.

Some of the businesses are in luxury log cabins.

"One of the reasons we organised the reindeer visit was to give these businesses a boost," said Graham. "They've lost a lot of trade during lockdown in November so they need a decent December."

Ginger & Pickles cafe will be offering takeaway food and drinks as well as the chance for visitors to sit down and enjoy a snack.

Cheshire Wardrobe stocks a selection of women's wear and accessories.

Cheshire Frames is a bespoke picture framing studio and workshop.

Gifted is a new gift shop.

Fieldsmiths is a new emporium, providing premium country clothing and equipment for people who enjoy spending time outdoors.

Cheshire Clay offers pottery classes and workshops and also sells various crafted items.

Ingledew Therapy offers a range of therapies.

Tasche Keys Nails & Beauty is a beauty salon and training academy.

Safe and Hounds offers a safe and secure dog exercise area.