Range of festive handmade items available at Christmas Artisan Craft Markets in Northumberland
Shoppers looking for something more personal when it comes to festive gifts are being invited to attend Christmas Artisan Craft Markets later this month.
NORTHCRAFTED Artisan Markets will bring its handmade-only approach to Longframlington Memorial Hall on Sunday, November 15 (10.30am to 3.30pm), followed by Newbiggin Maritime Centre on Saturday, November 28 (10.30am to 3pm).
Visitors can browse carefully selected items, meet the people who created it and discover gifts with a story behind them – while supporting independent creative businesses from across the region.
Rather than filling spaces simply to create a larger market, organisers Joanne Black and Darren Walker carefully curate their maker line-ups, limit duplication and do not accept mass-produced goods presented as handmade.
Joanne said: “Christmas shopping has become incredibly convenient, but somewhere along the way it can lose a little of its magic.
“We want people to be able to pick something up, talk to the person who made it and hear the story behind it.
“When somebody opens that present at Christmas, you’re not just giving them another thing – you’re giving them something that somebody here in the North East actually sat down and created.”
Its Longframlington markets have developed a warm, relaxed village-market atmosphere and adding to the atmosphere on November 15 will be the NORTHCRAFTED Pop-Up Café, giving visitors somewhere to stop for a cuppa and something delicious while they browse.
Joanne said: “We don’t want people to feel they have to rush around. Have a wander, find some lovely Christmas gifts, stop for a cuppa and something to eat, then go back for that thing you spotted on your first lap – because we all know that’s what happens.”
The market in Newbiggin offers visitors the chance to combine Christmas shopping with a trip to the Northumberland coast, browsing independent handmade work before enjoying the town and seafront.
A purchase at an artisan market directly supports the individual maker (artist, textile maker, jeweller, author, woodworker, photographer or another independent creative) behind the table.
Joanne added: “Come in, have a wander, chat to people, find something you genuinely love and enjoy yourself. That’s our idea of Christmas shopping and if your money supports a small North East business at the same time, even better.”