Everything from cupcakes and cards to jewellery and jams will be on offer for festive presents when Christmas comes stamped “Made in Durham” at County Hall next month (Wednesday December 5).
The showcase event for local arts and crafts and other local businesses also includes a visit from Santa and Christmas carols.
Public entry to Made in Durham is free and Durham County Council Chairman Cllr Linda Marshall, JP, has asked the 30 stalls attending to contribute a setting-up fee to her charity fund. Designated charities this year are CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and the Royal British Legion.
The event has been organised by Business Durham, the business arm of Durham County Council.
Stewart Watkins, Managing Director, Business Durham, said: “It follows our highly successful first-ever Made in Durham event in January this year and is a wonderful way to promote the County Durham brand and illustrate the quality and range available.”
Items available include cupcakes, non-alcoholic ginger wine, handmade jewellery, flowers, photographs, beers and even tableware made from slate. One stall has been handed over to Be Creative who work with female victims of domestic abuse through group therapy using craft techniques.
Made in Durham runs from 9am to 3pm with children able to meet Santa between 11am and 2pm.
Durham County Council Chairman, Cllr Linda Marshall said: “We hope it marks the start of the festivities and people can pick-up presents they are not able to get anywhere else. I am hugely grateful to all those taking part for contributing to my charities. It shows the real festive spirit.”
