More than 40 artisan craftspeople and food producers from across the North-East are preparing for the return of a popular Christmas Market.

The grounds of Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland will be the setting of a seasonal shopping fair on Friday, November 17, from 1pm to 7pm, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19.

An array of inspiring and distinctive gifts and speciality foods will be on sale, from sweets and seasonal gingerbread to cheese, handmade chocolates, jewellery, glassware and Christmas decorations.

Regional companies hosting stalls include the Gingerbread Mam, Tinkers Treasures, Charlie’s Country Kitchen and The Auckland Cupcake Company.

Visitors to the Christmas Market will be able to take a sneak peek at the large amount of restoration work underway with Behind the Scenes Tours of the Castle, which is otherwise closed to visitors, taking place on Saturday and Sunday.

Another Christmas Market will be taking place at No.42, a shop and gallery space in the nearby Market Place, where visitors can see the craftsmanship of local artists, who use the space to display and sell their work. This will be open 10am to 7pm on Friday, 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Entry to the Christmas Markets is free.