Gothenburg Christmas Arts ‘n Crafts Market

It was festive! It was creative! It was busy!

The Gothenburg car park was transformed into a market complete with green and white striped canopied stalls, Christmas tunes, tinsel and mulled wine.

The market ran for 2 days, Saturday and Sunday, 4 & 5 December with 15 stalls participating on the Saturday and 8 on the Sunday. Each day had a very different vibe, with different stalls selling a variety of goods.

The Saturday market saw the busiest day with a footfall of over 200 people. Merchandise sold at the stalls ranged from Christmas Decorations, Good Luck Amulets, Knick-knacks, Costume Jewellery and Dried Flower Arrangements with a variety of other stalls creating a wonderful mix of items for sale.

The Sunday saw a smaller market emerge but with a very strong crafters feel to it. All of the stalls sold interesting wares that were all hand made.

The market layout was cosy in the shape of a horse-shoe with a entrance into the market. We asked members of the public to pay a 20p entrance fee, which was then donated to the Prestoungrange Arts Festival Charity. Along with the ticket, we handed out the latest edition of East Lothian Life, kindly donated by the Editor, Pauline Jaffray and a list of the Forthcoming events to which a 15% discount voucher for the purchase of food at the Goth, was attached. Needless to say the James Park Bistro then did a roaring trade, providing the warmth from the winter chill and that well-deserved cup of coffee.

Scotland has an abundance of artistic talents, and its great that we can hold an event to expose this creativity. Stall holders came from afar, some from not so far, but it was encouraging to see so many local Panners support this event that is sure to develop into something that is held on a regular basis.

Some examples of those that participated are:
Lynn Schroder from Prestonpans – creator of whimsical, quirky copper sculpture
Naomi Benton from Haddington – hand-made cards and gifts
Eileen Clason from Aberfoyle – creator of fabulous “wish they were edible” soaps
Jim Anderson from Dunbar – selling prints and photographs of local East Lothian Photographer Derek Braid

On behalf of the Goth, I would like to thank all those stall holders that participated, especially those stalls that were raising funds for their own good causes : Prestongrange Church and Aberlour Trust.

The feedback from the public and the stall holders was tremendous and extremely positive. We are all looking forward to the next arts ‘n crafts market which will be held just before Easter 2005. See you all there!

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