News / independent shops
New market launched to support independent businesses
A new monthly makers’ market has been launched, bringing together local craftspeople.
The new market promises to celebrate creativity and encourage more people to explore Bristol’s lesser-known independent businesses.
The BS4 Makers Market takes place on the first Saturday of every month at St Cuthbert’s Church on Sandy Park Road.
The first installment was launched on July 4.
The BS4 Makers Market will feature independent businesses like The Green Potionista – photo: The Green Potionista
The market has been organised by Naomi Evans, owner of These Two Hands and founder of the BS4 Arts Trail, which she launched four years ago and has since grown into a popular annual community event.
Each market will feature a selection of local makers selling handmade products, alongside creative workshops and a raffle in support of a different local charity each month.
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Participating makers will donate raffle prizes, with all proceeds going to the chosen cause.
Evans said she hopes the market will build on the community spirit created through the arts trail while encouraging more people to discover BS4’s independent businesses.
“I wanted to give people in BS4 a reason to gather and celebrate craft and creativity as a community,” she said.
“My shop, These Two Hands, has become a real community hub, and I started the BS4 Arts Trail four years ago – it has grown every year and shown me how much people want to support local makers and handmade work.
“The Makers Market is free to come along with friends and family, meet local makers, take part in workshops, and support a different local charity each month through a raffle.
The market has been organised by Naomi Evans, owner of These Two Hands and founder of the BS4 Arts Trail – photo: Isabel Fraser
Evans pointed out the need for backing local artisan businesses after closure of several businesses, most notably Bristol Blue Glass.
“Small high streets everywhere are struggling, and after the closure of Bristol Blue Glass, I wanted to give people a reason to come and enjoy BS4’s lovely independent shops again.”
The market is intended to become a regular fixture in the local calendar, offering residents the chance to shop from independent makers, while supporting good causes.
Main photo: Isabel Fraser
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