Middlesbrough’s Dundas Shopping Centre and Indoor Market plays host this week to an eclectic collection of traders who are taking part in its monthly Food and Craft Market.
Shoppers will find local artisans selling everything from pies to pyrography and ceramics to science fiction souvenirs.
The market also provides opportunities for new traders to test their ideas, and this month’s event – which takes place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 June – will see the return of Beth Dixon, the creative force behind Betty and the Lovecats.
Beth, from Billingham, took part in the Youth Market at Dundas earlier this month. Her ceramics were so popular with customers that she decided to come back.
“Before then everything was mostly online. You don’t get to see the body language or how excited somebody is and what they actually think about the product,” said the 26-year-old graduate in Decorative Art.
Beth, who will be at Dundas on Friday, also impressed judges at the Youth Market who put her through to the regional final of a competition to find the next generation of super traders.
Other Food and Craft Market newcomers this weekend are Nomad Macramé
Two Little Butterflies, Oliver’s Pantry, Krafty Little Things and Puro Charme.
Stallholders on Friday also include Over the Rainbow and Ceramics by Tatjana. Sci-Fi Station, Mouth Waffling and Angela’s Bow Jewels will be there on Saturday and both days will feature Pretty Little Doll, Tessie’s Craft, Stitch and Sew, Ellenswood Pyrography, Baking from the Hart and a tombola stall in aid of Cancer Research.
David Harris, the manager of Dundas Market, said: “I’m not sure you can go anywhere else this week where there will be such a variety of businesses and products. Even though they’re all different, all the traders share great enthusiasm and a real commitment to what they do.”
Dundas Market – part of the Dundas Shopping Centre – is in the middle of Middlesbrough and easily accessible. There is a large basement car park which is entered via Wilson Street.
Further information is available from www.dundasshoppingcentre.co.uk or via @DundasShopping on Facebook and Twitter.