Organisers of a Michaelmas Market are aiming to bring a little magic to Christmas shopping when an historic school hosts artisan and local producers.
The traditional market, being held in the oak panelled halls of Barnard Castle School, will bring together talented designers, artists, craftspeople and food and drink producers on Sunday, November 27.
Barney Friends, the parents’ group that organises the annual event, say the Hogwarts atmosphere of the school adds to the festive feel and the magical ambience as shoppers visit the stalls selling gifts, fashion, tasty treats and Christmas decorations.
Seasonal refreshments will be available throughout the day, along with a luxury Christmas hamper raffle and various festive themed competition stands. The Market is open from 10.30am-3pm and admission is free.
Among the food producers are Woodlands Home Bakery with jams, chutneys and baking; Barnard Castle’s own Moody Baker with organic, Fairtrade breads and Christmas puddings; unique festive cakes from Traditional and Scrumptious; and small batch, handmade chocolates from Truly Tempting Chocolate.
For keen cooks Garth Cottage Herbs are bringing specialist herbs, oils and vinegars, The Swaledale Cheese Company will be sharing a variety of specialist cheeses made in the Dale to traditional recipes, Bleikers Smokehouse will have smoked fish for every day and special treats, and there will be beer brewed in Gainford to take away.
The carefully selected range of stalls will also include a range of Christmas gifts from vintage treasures by Edie Pebble, of Amble, gifts and decorations from local shop Allium Interiors.
Handmade interior design products will include ceramics by Caroline Hudson; vibrant coloured glass from Sherbert Firings; accessories in linen and cotton by Rachel Bonas; and quirky bottle lights and nibble bowls from Totes Adore.
Picked at Dawn Floristry will be offering handmade wreaths and table decorations, complimented by festive decorations provided by How Curious.
Fashion and beauty are well catered for with handmade bags from Bishopdale; silver jewellery by Libby Jubb; tweed accessories by Sarah Garbutt; and items from Teesdale Alpaca so bespoke that buyers can find out which animal provided the wool.
Dovecote is returning with bespoke skincare and candles as is Temple Spa with Mediterranean-inspired home spa products. Jamberry’s do it yourself wraparound nails in a variety of designs is one of the new stalls this year.
Among the more unusual items are papercut illustrations and stationery from Rich Little Things; handcrafted wigwams, bears and blankets by Edith Jones; knitted yarns from Pot Luck Crafts; and vintage crafts by Venimous Hound.
Any visitors planning a wedding or other function can meet Photography With Caroline and Middleton Lodge, whose staff will be on hand to show off their Georgian estate, Coach House restaurant and treatment rooms.
For more information visit @michaelmasmarketbcs or facebook.com/michaelmasmarketbcs/