The first-ever Taste of Christmas event has been hailed a major success after attracting more than 3,700 visitors to Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, on Sunday, November 9.
Organised as a festive spin-off of the popular Taste of Grampian, the new event was delivered by Thainstone Events and ANM Group, with generous sponsorship from Cala Homes and Laings Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms, and media support from the Press and Journal.
The event brought together the best of the north-east’s food, drink, and craft producers, transforming Thainstone into a bustling winter wonderland for families and food lovers alike.
Simon Garrow, Business Development Executive at Thainstone Events said, “We’re absolutely delighted with how the first Taste of Christmas turned out. The response from visitors and vendors has been incredible, and it’s clear there’s a real appetite for local, family-friendly festive events. None of this would have been possible without our dedicated team and the support of our sponsors.
A huge thank you to our main sponsor Cala Homes, Laings Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms for sponsoring the chef demo kitchen, and our media partner The Press & Journal. We’re already looking forward to building on this success in future years.”
Visitors enjoyed a full day of festive activities, featuring Santa’s Grotto, the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, and a children’s funfair, complemented by an array of seasonal food and refreshments from the Bothy Café and street food village.
A major highlight of the day was the live chef demonstrations, hosted by award-winning food journalist Julia Bryce and The Kilted Chef Craig Wilson. The sessions featured leading local chefs Ross Cochrane, Graham Mitchell, Alan Clarke, and Orry Shand, each showcasing their culinary flair – from seasonal appetisers to indulgent desserts.
Thainstone was beautifully transformed by North East Events and AWD Tech, who created the event’s festive atmosphere, with AV provided by LXM Event Services. A surprise performance from the Deveron Singers added a final touch of seasonal cheer.
“The ANM Board and I were keen to see the Taste of Grampian model return to Thainstone, and I’m delighted with the success of the inaugural Taste of Christmas”, said Grant Rogerson, Chief Executive of ANM Group.
“The turnout is a clear reflection of the hard work and commitment from our team, the events sponsors, and our media and catering partners. With several high-profile events in recent weeks and a busy Christmas period approaching, the Team’s collective efforts reinforce Thainstone’s position as one of the North East’s leading venues.”
With strong footfall, sell-out stalls, and great feedback from visitors, Taste of Christmas has firmly established itself as a new festive favourite for the north-east, paving the way for a highly anticipated return in 2026.