More than 400 people turned out for the first Margate Made event held at the Kent Adult Education Centre in Hawley Square last weekend.
Lydia Martin, one of the organisers, said: “The aim of the event was to celebrate creativity and community in Margate. With over 30 stalls showcasing a range of unique, handmade and affordable makes we were very pleased with the standard of work, and then a fantastic range of free creative activities on offer for adults and children.
“And to top it all we then had an incredible response from the public with over 400 people through the doors! A real success!”
The event, on July 14, was in partnership with KCC’s Adult Education. It included children’s activities taking place outside in the square. A steady stream of visitors attended the market and took part in free creative activities for children and adults..
Stalls included ceramics, glassware, plants, textiles, jewellery, upcycled accessories and homeware, knitted and embroidered items, paintings and prints and massage to name just a few.
Among the activities were watercolour and mixed media, card making and drawing, Samurai Shiatsu run by Svenja Schaper, pebble painting by Thanet Community Forest School, catapult making with the 1st Margate St John’s Scout Group and, throughout the day, music from O’Shea and Nolan playing Irish folk songs, jigs and reels.
The organisers wanted to ensure there was a range of items available, but also that those participating as stall holders varied in age and experience as makers and in selling to the public.
One of the stall holders said: “A craft event which was perfect in every way. Superb organisation, regular and continually updated publicity, huge footfall and most of all passionate organisers who had the belief that this was going to be a really special event, and it was by a mile. Sarah Gibbon, Lydia Martin, Antoinette Gilbert and all the volunteers and helpers should be so proud, it was superb.”
Co-organiser Sarah Gibbon said: “The recipe seemed to work very well. Organisation, promotion, venue, location, enthusiastic volunteers, engaged customers and talented makers and activity leaders. Well done everyone and thank you. Planning for Christmas starts soon!”
The market event was the first project for Margate Made but there are plans for more creative community activities.
To keep up to date join the Facebook group Margate Made or follow the blog at www.margatemade.blog
