First 'Makers Market' for Magherafelt

by Gráinne Connolly

The first ‘Magherafelt Makers Market’, showcasing the work of over a dozen local craft makers, takes place in the town at the end of this month (31 March).

The market, which will bring together over a dozen local artisan makers who combine traditional and contemporary skills to create hand-crafted items, from ceramics and wood carving to jewellery and textiles.

Scheduled to become a quarterly event for a newly formed ‘craft collective’, the market is being supported by Mid Ulster District Council through as part of its business development programme.

Chair of the Council’s Development Committee, Councillor Trevor Wilson, has welcomed the market and a new beginning for the area’s creative industries:

“Magherafelt has a strong association with hand-produced, original and unique creative production and this market gives the makers a ‘shop window’ to show and sell their work at the heart of the place where they live and work.

“While we as a Council are supporting both the market and the creation of a craft collective, it is the industry itself which is the driving-force behind the development and I wish them every success with the inaugural market and look forward to seeing how the project grows and progresses in the year to come”.

 
The craft makers participating in the market are:

·Annie's Delights

·Dara Byrne Handmade Jewellery

·Artybird

·Beginnings

·Uniquely York

·Louisa Kelly - Artist

·Paperdove

·Red Horse Celtic Crafts

·Dúile Pottery

·Ruby Roo

·Fleur De Lys Floral Art & Design

·Little Bow Peeps

There will also be plenty to keep kids entertained at the Market with Easter crafts, clay pot craft painting, face painting, balloon modelling, and a visit from the Easter Bunny!

The first Magherafelt Makers Market takes place on Saturday 31 March 2018 from 11am to 4pm in The Bridewell, Magherafelt. Admission to the market is free.