THERE’S no denying that the pandemic has hit small and independent businesses hard and one company is moving their spring crafts fair online to offer them support during this trying time.
Lancashire company Hopeful and Glorious is working with 50 local makers, designers, producers and small businesses to put on a Spring Fair online on April 16 and 17.
For the last six years Hopeful and Glorious have hosted events across Lancashire with many of the county’s best creatives taking part.
With retail re-opening slowly they hope to be presenting face to face events at the end of the year but for now are committed to creating enjoyable events online supporting British makers.
But being online doesn’t mean they will skimp on what’s on offer.
There will be lots of enjoyable maker demonstrations, workshops and interviews to watch and make at home and an online market featuring the work of over 50 hand-picked artists.
Many of the creatives taking part will be offering great extras such as free gift wrapping, free postage and exclusive discounts. So, at a time when it’s not easy to get out, it’s a perfect way to shop for unique, locally made gifts and treats.
Heather Chapman of Hopeful and Glorious said: “With the online fair we want to try and create the best event we can both for our makers and our customers.
“We’d usually have the buzz of setting up, talking with makers - meeting some for the first time and welcoming others back so we’re encouraging our makers to set up a stall at home and film it.
“We’ll be having demonstrations and workshops from some of our makers and we want to make the two days to be a celebration of making and not just selling.
“With the popularity of television shows such as The Great British Sewing Bee and The Great Pottery Throwdown there has never been so much interest in handmade and our maker films will share a glimpse of how products are made and the inspiration behind them.”
Which local businesses are included in the line up
There are an eclectic range of crafters and artists in the line up- including some from towns in East Lancashire.
Here are some of the local businesses taking part:
• Silver 4 Ever from Lancaster
• Lydia Aislewood Designs from Burnley
• Atlas Interiors from Lancaster
• Redcurrant Glass from Barrowford
• Elfin Alchemy Jewellery from Chorley
• Seaquink Designs from Chorley
• Ark Glass from Hornby
• Making Memories from Poulton le Fylde
• Diana Morrison Designs from Blackpool
• Rae, Fern & Hope Interiors from Colne
• Pip Cottage Basketry from Oswaldwistle
• Julie Miles Ceramics from Nelson
• Gawthorpe Textile Collection from Burnley
The event starts at 5pm on Friday 16th April 2021 at hopefulandglorious.co.uk where the public can browse the wide array of products on offer and buy direct from the makers.
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