A "magical" grotto and festive fair is planned to bring cheer to those suffering during the cost of living crisis.

The Maryland Events Group is raising money for its Merryland Grotto and Festive Fair, which will take place over two weekends in December.

Visitors can attend the fair in the function room of The Cart and Horses pub on December 3, 4, 10 and 11 from 11am to 4pm.

Babs Pierre, one of the founders of the group, said: "It's going to be a tough Christmas this year because of the cost of living crisis. Not everyone can do the things they want to do."

Newham Recorder: Babs Pierre constructing part of the decorations for the festive grottoBabs Pierre constructing part of the decorations for the festive grotto (Image: Maryland Events Group)

She said the group wants to put on an event that will bring the community together and provide it with something "magical" during the winter period.

Babs said the Grotto will be run by a Santa Claus and elves who are all local volunteers.

Alongside this, the fair will house stalls from a diverse range of individuals and businesses.

The event on December 11 will be a Caribbean Christmas, with rum punch and Caribbean cake.

Newham Recorder: Olivia Allen is one of the young people helping to create the grottoOlivia Allen is one of the young people helping to create the grotto (Image: Maryland Events Group)

Babs continued: "There is a Romanian woman who will be selling Romanian desserts which remind her of her home, alongside some savoury snacks. An eastern European woman [who] paints glasses and makes picture frames will sell [her handcrafted products].

"There's someone who uses African fabrics to make Christmas decorations.

"We have someone who sells Caribbean cake for the Caribbean day. I'll also be making my own Caribbean punch, which is well-known in my family!

"Not everyone celebrates Christmas. We want something for everybody. So we have a Santa's grotto going on but we also have other things. The more people who want to come, the better, to bring something joyful and happy to the local area."

Cllr Carolyn Corben is designing and building the set, alongside volunteer members of the community, with materials that include paint donated by decorator centre, Dulux.

Newham Recorder: Julie Walker with Maryland Cllr Carolyn CorbenJulie Walker with Maryland Cllr Carolyn Corben (Image: Maryland Events Group)

Babs said she hopes, "members of the community can meet for the first time."

She added: "We only wish we could do even more. All money raised is going back into the event to make it more magical."

The Maryland Events Group have raised £1,200 so far and are hoping to reach their £1,850 target by November 22.

Babs added that the Maryland Events Group would be very grateful to anyone who could offer their services for free for any of the time the fair is running.

Newham Recorder: Maryland Cllr Carolyn Corben with Helen Thompson, Aleesha Thompson-Whyte and owner of The Cart and Horses, Kastro Pergjoni,Maryland Cllr Carolyn Corben with Helen Thompson, Aleesha Thompson-Whyte and owner of The Cart and Horses, Kastro Pergjoni, (Image: Maryland Events Group)

The Merryland Grotto and Festive Fair will take place at 1 Maryland Point, E15 1PF. The event is free entry and you can get tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/merryland-grotto-and-festive-fair-tickets-461853715897. You can visit Santa and receive a gift for £5.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/maryland-festive-fair?utm_term=kxXypP6Qq. 

Any businesses or individuals who wish to get involved or volunteer are asked to email marylandeventsgroup@gmail.com.

For the latest news on Christmas events across the capital, join our Christmas in London group on Facebook.