Andover High Street had a pre-Christmas buzz today as almost 40 traders showcased their unique variety of wares at the Farmers’ and Craft Market.
The increasingly popular once a month event attracted traders from across Hampshire and Wiltshire with stalls including fresh fish, hand decorated candles and a range of unique gifts for the home.
Tubbs Cosmetics from Basingstoke are a regular feature at the market, selling handmade bath bombs and soaps. Claire Barker from Hive Originals who travels from Devizes to promote her range of raw honey skin products says “There’s such a lovely range here, we’ll definitely keep coming back to Andover for the markets next year”.
As well as innovative, bespoke and new Christmas ideas, shoppers were treated to live music from local singing talent Jon Springett and the ever popular James Mitchell.
Sharon from Mystical Hedgerows hand decorates candles and keepsakes and travels from Southampton to participate in the market, she says, “Andover has such a lovely atmosphere and it’s really affordable to take part. Plus, I love the live music every month.”
Local gin experts Rob and Ally Targett from The Gin Stall were on hand to offer their experience of the growing gin market. With over 130 gin distilleries in the UK, and Test Valley Gin and Bombay Sapphire nearby, their new enterprise provides contemporary and craft gin from across the world.
Their commitment to ‘small batch’ gins means you will pick up bottles from exciting producers that aren’t available in supermarkets. The couple are hosting a new ‘Gin Festival’ at The Lights on 27th and 28th July 2018.
The next Farmers’ and Craft Market in Andover is Sunday November 19th, the weekend after the Christmas Lights switch-on and traders interested in experiencing a the festive feel of shopping in Andover are asked to contact organiser Heather Whittam at The Lights.
Garden plants and locally made pork products from Martin Martindale’s ever-popular Greenfield Pork Products were also available in the High Street. Ruth Crabb from Material Moments makes bespoke material gifts for the home. As well as handmade decorations, she also makes ‘fidget blankets’, soft and safe items for people with mental health issues to be intrigued and captivated by their texture and feel. Examples of her unique ‘Quiet Books’ were also available.
