PENARTH’S Handmade Market welcomed more than 400 visitors for its Christmas event on Friday – less than half last year’s figure, but the organiser was still pleased with the turnout.
About 1,000 people visited last year’s market but April Simmons Liddell said this year it faced competition from other events, such as the Penarth Christmas lights switch-on the weekend before which attracted hundreds of visitors who may have been tempted to do their shopping then.
“There was a great atmosphere in the Paget Rooms and everyone we spoke to was very positive about the event so I was pleased.
“We had almost 800 people at Rhiwbina’s Handmade Market on November 20 so I think the fact it was a Friday night affected figures – and it was Black Friday too!” said Ms Simmons Liddell.
About 40 contemporary crafters and food producers sold unique goods at the market in the Paget Rooms.
Stallholders included some of South Wales’ best crafters such as illustrator and designer of ethical clothing Morgi Morgi, as well as Black and Beech who design silicone necklaces for mothers that babies can chew on during feeding without causing harm or damage.
Other crafters included jewellers Garth Mountain Silver and food producer Baked by Mel.
Penarth’s Handmade Market’s Christmas event in the Paget Rooms.
Penarth Handmade Market was started by Little Otter Events, a company run by Ms Simmons Liddell who has been passionate about craft from an early age.
She founded Rhiwbina Handmade Market at Rhiwbina Memorial Hall in November 2013 and encouraged by its success started the Penarth market in 2015.
“The reaction to Little Otter Events handmade markets has been amazing with thousands of people coming through the doors of our two venues,” said April.
“There is clearly strong support for contemporary craft in these areas.
The festive market attracted over 400 visitors.
“One of our key aims is to give a platform to local makers and the majority are local or from Wales. We welcome applications from new up-and-coming makers too.”
Penarth Handmade Market returns in March for a Mothers’ Day special. For details follow @LittleOtterE on Twitter or Penarth’s Handmade Market on Facebook.
