A QUIRKY arts, crafts and textiles fair to celebrate items Made in Colchester is set to return.

The event will be held at Colchester Arts Centre, in Church Street, and will showcase fine art, traditional printmaking, stationery, homeware, ceramics and fashion, all made by artistic residents.

Made in Colchester is a group of artists and designers aiming to promote the town’s art scene.

Gazette:

Member Holly Trill said: “We’re a diverse group with a common thread of Colchester, quality and innovation.

“Our fairs have steadily been growing since last year but this one has been opened up to new stallholders who complement the core members’ work.

“Footfall also has steadily increased with each fair. Last year we held three and we also attend the Waiting Room’s Bazaar as a group.

“In the past we’ve had an exhibition at Slice Café Gallery and many of our members had work in Firstsite’s Open Exhibition last year.

“The events are a platform for local designers, makers and artists to share their work with the public and promote artistic talent within the area.

“They’re also a great opportunity to find unique gifts which are high quality and have been made locally.”

Gazette:

Free workshops, including a giant crochet, will be run by members Anne Barclay, Daisy Courtauld, Ros Lascelles, Frin Arnold, Lauren Kelly, Caroline Rhys-Lewis, Paul Butler, Hanne Mannheimer, Sally Ure-Reid, Louise Dawson and Holly Trill.

There will also be music performances every 30 minutes from 11am until 2.30pm, starting with Rowhedge favourite Geoff Lawrence, leading into Matt Selley, Skinner and Cornell, Gavin Bowern and others.

The fair is on Saturday, May 28, from 10am to 3pm.

To become part of the group, email madeincolchester@gmail.com.

For more information about the event visit facebook.com/madeincolchester.