Upcoming Events: 

• Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

◦ Location: The Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex 

◦ Details: Discover unique creations and meet the makers behind them. 

• Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

◦ Location: Ware Drill Hall, Ware, Hertfordshire 

◦ Details: Experience a curated selection of handcrafted goods in an historic setting. 

• Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

◦ Location: Firstsite Colchester, Colchester, Essex 

◦ Details: A return to Colchester with new artisans and fresh creations. 

• Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

◦ Location: The Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex 

◦ Details: Enjoy seaside views while shopping for bespoke crafts. 

• Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

◦ Location: The Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex 

◦ Details: A perfect opportunity to find unique gifts and support local talent. 

• Sunday, March 9, 2025 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

◦ Location: Dunmow, Essex 

◦ Details: Join us in Dunmow for a showcase of handcrafted excellence. 

• Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

◦ Location: Great Baddow Millennium Centre, Great Baddow, Essex 

◦ Details: Explore a diverse range of artisan products in a vibrant community setting. 

• Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

◦ Location: Rayleigh Mill Hall, Essex 

◦ Details: A community-driven market with bespoke products. 

• Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

◦ Location: Firstsite Colchester, Colchester, Essex 

◦ Details: Our April event in Colchester promises new artisans and spring-inspired crafts. 

For the full calendar or event details: 

https://www.folkandbespoke.com/2025-market-dates/ 

https://www.folkandbespoke.com/calendar/ 

https://www.folkandbespoke.com/next-event/ 

New Locations: 

We’re excited to announce that in addition to our regular venues, we’ll be expanding to new locations this year. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events in these areas. Our goal is to provide more opportunities for artisans to showcase their work and for shoppers to discover unique, handcrafted items. 

Introducing our new events coordinator position 

We’re delighted to be looking for a new Events Coordinator to the Folk & Bespoke team! Their role will be to expand our events to new areas and ensure everything runs smoothly for both our vendors and visitors. 

If you have ideas for new event locations, themes, or collaborations, we’d love to hear from you! Drop me an email at katy@folkandbespoke.com to share your thoughts. 

Calling all workshop & tutorial hosts! 

This year, we are thinking of introducing live workshops and tutorials at select events. These hands-on sessions will give visitors the chance to learn from talented makers and deepen their appreciation for handmade crafts. 

Are you skilled in a craft, art, or creative skill?
Would you like to teach a workshop at one of our markets? 

If so, we’d love to feature you at our events! Whether it’s candle-making, pottery, jewellery design, embroidery, or something completely unique, we welcome all types of creative workshops. 

If you’re interested, please contact us at katy@folkandbespoke.com with details about your workshop idea! 

Community love & feedback 

We continue to get great feedback from our events! Here’s what some of you have said: 

“A well-organised event with a fantastic selection of quality crafts.”
“Such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere! Looking forward to the next one.”
“It’s great to meet the makers in person and hear their stories. A perfect day out!” 

Here are some great good news stories from Folk & Bespoke events. 

Baa Baa Hats personal shopping success! Baa Baa Hats recently hosted a personal shopping experience at a customers house, after she was spotted at an event and couldn’t decide which hat to buy! It proved to be a delightful success. The bespoke event allowed the customer to receive tailored advice and try on a range of exclusive hat designs. The experience culminated in the sale of a beautiful, handcrafted hat, marking a significant milestone for the business and reinforcing the value of personalised shopping experiences. This sale highlights the dedication of Baa Baa Hats to providing exceptional customer service and high-quality craftsmanship. 

Ceramics seller commissioned for local venue. A local ceramicist has been recognised for their exceptional talent and was recently commissioned to create a bespoke batch of designs for a nearby venue. This opportunity not only acknowledges the artist’s skill but also supports local craftsmanship and cultural heritage. The venues decision to feature these unique ceramic pieces will provide visitors with an enriched experience, showcasing locally inspired artistry while boosting the artist’s profile in the creative community. 

A heartwarming Christmas moment. In a touching moment, an individual recently expressed their joy by stating that they could now have Christmas, after a successful Christmas event. This statement, though simple, carries profound significance, reflecting newfound happiness, relief, or stability. Whether due to a personal achievement, financial security, or emotional well-being, this uplifting sentiment underscores the power of good fortune and the spirit of the season. 

Riverworks’ meaningful embroidery commission Riverworksss9, known for its intricate embroidery work, was entrusted with a deeply personal commission. The project involved creating a custom embroidery piece that incorporated a strand of hair from a deceased sister who cherished walks along Southend Pier. This commission was not just a work of art but a powerful tribute, encapsulating cherished memories and a profound personal connection. The resulting piece will serve as a lasting, tangible reminder of a beloved sibling and their love for Southend Pier. 

These heartening stories showcase the power of community, craftsmanship, and personal connections, reminding us of the positive impact of creativity and shared experiences. 

Want to share your Folk & Bespoke experience? Leave us a review on Facebook or Instagram (@folkandbespoke)—we love hearing from you! 

Share your work in the Folk & Bespoke Facebook group!  

Calling all makers, musicians, artists, and creatives! This group is here for YOU—to showcase your work, connect with others, and get seen by people who appreciate handmade, unique, and independent craft. Makers, musicians, artists, and creators of all kinds. If you’ve got something special to share, whether it’s a handmade piece, an upcoming event, or a new project, post it here! 

I regularly share people’s work in a way that helps them get noticed—take a look at my posts in the Folk & Bespoke Facebook Group, to see how!
One artist recently landed a good few months of work from a contact they met through an event.
Many makers have seen a boost in website traffic just from sharing here! 

So don’t be shy—drop a post, share your latest creations, and let’s get your work in front of the right people!