Artisan Market heads to Handforth

Following its successes in Wilmslow, Middlewich and Knutsford this weekend, the award winning Artisan Market is coming to The Paddock in Handforth.

Organisers Denise Valente and Vicky Jackson are delighted to announce a three month trial in Handforth, beginning on Saturday, 13th October, and then on the second Saturday of the month for the rest of the year.

This decision comes after months of discussions between Handforth Parish Council, the Artisan Market and Handforth retailers and residents.

This initiative has received enthusiastic support from a number of Handforth retailers including Peter Herd, O'Hanlons and Shentons Farm Shop, all of whom will be showcasing their businesses at the market.

The aims of this monthly event are to bring the community together in the centre of the village and showcase the retail offering of Handforth alongside a mixture of specially chosen food, drink, art and craft stalls. Each market will also be featuring local community projects, live music, dance and activities for all the family to enjoy.

One of the entertainers on the day will be Handforth Jazz Band which was founded in 2001 by local music teacher Rosemary Thomason, for wind players aged 10 - 18. Over the decade, they have played at more than 50 events and raised hundreds of pounds for charity. They won the band category at Heaton Mersey Youth Festival in March and are looking forward to taking part in the Artisan Market on Saturday.

In addition the Handforth Model Engineering Society will be in attendance and exhibiting one of their engines. The group of friends and hobbyists aim to promote model engineering and, since its inception in 2009, the society has laid a ground level and a raised track in Meriton Road Park. Members have also transformed the pavilion into a clubhouse following extensive refurbishment.

Vicky Jackson said "As a Handforth resident we are delighted to be working with Handforth Parish Council on this initiative. This is a fabulous opportunity to add some colour, vitality and local produce to the village. We are busy hand selecting local producers and artisans who will complement, not compete with the retail offering of Handforth.

"It has been a very long time since Handforth High Street had Jeff Whittiker the green grocer, or a butchers or fishmongers, but on the 13th of Oct there will be, as well as so much more!

"I really can't wait. It is always a pleasure to put on these events, but even more so when they are in your home town."

Approximately 40 stalls will be set up at The Paddock for the Artisan Market on Saturday, 13th October, which will take place from 10am until 4pm.

The Artisan Market visited Knutsford on Sunday, 7th October, for a special Michaelmas Market, click here for photos and a report of how Knutsfordians received the debut market.