HISTORIC CHRISTMAS POULTRY SALE TO TAKE PLACE IN AYLSHAM
Turkeys, geese, chickens and ducks will be up for auction at Keys’ annual Christmas Poultry Sale in Aylsham on Friday 19th December, continuing an unbroken 72 year festive tradition at the firm.
The annual sale dates back to 1953, when Geoffrey Key held the first Christmas sale just months after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The auction has taken place at Keys’ Aylsham sale ground every year since then, with not even avian flu and Covid deterring the firm’s auctioneers from taking to the rostrum.
“Our Christmas Poultry Sale is a wonderful Christmas tradition, which brings together local producers and local consumers,” said Tim Blyth, director at Keys, who is the grandson of founder Geoffrey Key.
“2025 has been a difficult year for poultry producers in Norfolk, with the continuing shadow of avian flu over the industry. We expect this year’s sale to be smaller than in previous years, but nevertheless we are delighted to be carrying on the tradition for the 73rd year. As ever, we expect our Christmas Poultry Sale to be a busy, sociable and festive occasion.”
Traditionally the Keys Christmas Poultry Sale attracts hundreds of people – mostly private individuals there to buy the main attraction for their Christmas lunch.
The majority of the birds, which include Norfolk Black and Bronze turkeys, and free-range geese and ducks, have been raised by small-scale local farmers.
Keys started out in 1953 as a small livestock market selling mainly poultry, and by the end of the 1950s had become one of the largest of their type in the country. A young Bernard Matthews purchased his first turkeys from the firm.
The Keys annual Christmas Poultry Sale takes place on Friday 19th December from 10am. Viewing of the birds on offer starts at 8.30am on the morning of the sale.