HANDMADE jewellery, artwork, cakes and crafts will take over Stalybridge Victoria Market Hall as a brand-new artisan market launches in the town.
The first So Crafty Market will arrive at the hall in Armentieres Square on Saturday, September 26.
It will bring together independent makers, bakers and creative businesses for a day of shopping and entertainment.
Organised by So Retro Events in partnership with Tameside Council, the new market will run from 10am to 3pm, with another event planned for Saturday, November 28.
Visitors will be able to browse a hand-picked selection of handmade and locally created products, with stalls offering everything from earrings and artwork to cakes, handbags and purses.
There will also be plenty to keep younger visitors entertained, with face painting and children’s craft activities taking place during the day.
The new event follows the success of So Retro’s Vintage & Vinyl Fairs at Victoria Market Hall, which have already attracted hundreds of people to the town.
And the vintage theme will return on Sunday, October 25, when another So Retro Market takes place from 11am to 4pm, offering visitors the chance to hunt for vintage treasures, collectibles, records and other unusual finds.
Michelle from So Retro Events said: ”I can’t wait to launch our brand-new artisan markets in Stalybridge! The local people have really supported our Vintage & Vinyl Fairs, with hundreds attending the ones we’ve done so far, and I’m hoping that will be the same for our markets.
“We’ve got an amazing selection of makers, bakers and creative independent businesses lined up, along with live music, face painting and kids’ crafts. It’s going to be a fantastic event that the whole family can enjoy!”
Councillor Stephen Homer, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity, said: “I’m excited for this addition to the Victoria Market Hall programme, this is another brilliant event for residents, shoppers and visitors to enjoy and it will bring even more footfall to Stalybridge, supporting the town centre.”
The So Crafty Markets are part of a wider programme of events taking place at Stalybridge Victoria Market Hall, formerly known as the Civic Hall, with organisers hoping the new addition will build on the growing popularity of the venue’s specialist markets.