The festive season kicked off at Worsley Court House yesterday, with the arrival of the Artisan Christmas Fair.
The winter wonderland event which was inspired by traditional Nordic festivities featured an array of activities for people of all ages including a Father Christmas experience, artisan stalls and more.
The event organiser Pamela Rae-Welsh said: “It was basically inspired by wanting to bring a really traditional festive event to the local town. Manchester Christmas Markets are so popular and there’s the Lowry, but there was nothing that was perfect for the village.
“We decided to put together an artisan fair that’s all about local producers, handmade products, really beautiful items and creating an experience as well.”
The Artisan Christmas Fair raised money for Rotary Worsley through ticket sales.
Pamela explained: “The Rotary Worsley does some really fantastic local initiatives. Everything from Santa going around the village through to supporting underprivileged children.”
The event also supported Georgia’s Children of the World, a charity set up in memory of Georgia Murray that helps to support children across the world.
Pamela said: “Georgia’s Children of the World is a charity very close to my heart. My very good friend, Steve Murray, his daughter passed away nearly 10 years ago now. I’m very passionate about supporting Steve and his cause to support children across the world.”
The event took Pamela six-months to organise, wanting to create a day that would bring festive magic to Worsley.
She said: “It is blood, sweat and tears- It has to be said. Everything from selecting the right exhibitors, to doing a really good market campaign to make sure there are enough people there.”
The fair featured a range of independent businesses, many of which Pamela works closely with when helping establish their brand through Worsley Creative Services.
Highlights included the award-winning Worsley Gin and Ridiculously Rich, a bakery set up by 2016’s winner of The Apprentice, Alana Spencer.
Andrew Niedzwiecki, managing director of Worsley Gin, said: “Pamela is our creative director, when she has an event we always like to support her.”
Rachel Sligo, owner of Little Flowers, said: “I know Pamela and she really helped me with my networking online. So I really wanted to support her event the way she’s supported me recently.”
Pamela carefully selected unique brands for the event and believes it is important to give independent organisations a platform.
She said: “It is really hard for small businesses to get seen in a really saturated market.
“Giving this sort of showcase allows them to be able to reach local people, so to get themselves seen.”
Here is more about some of the businesses showcasing their products at the Worsley Artisan Christmas Fair.
Image credits- Lauren Lomax
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