Artisan traders and makers are coming together to celebrate independent businesses with a Christmas Market at the University of Huddersfield.
The market, in University Square on the Queensgate campus on Wednesday November 30, is aimed at promoting ‘indie’ shopping and showcasing some great start-up businesses.
The event is something the university’s thriving student and graduate population take a pride in being a part of.
It’s a collaboration with Kirklees Council and the National Market Traders Federation. Each year the federation runs a Young Traders Market competition across the UK and the university’s Christmas Market will act as a regional heat, with one winner on the day going through to the regional final and winning £100 to boost their business.
Sarah Agar-Brennan, head of enterprise and entrepreneurship at the university, said: “The Enterprise Team from the University of Huddersfield are delighted to be a part of such a prestigious event, a first of its kind on campus.
“We are hoping to get involved in a lot more initiatives such as these in the future working collaboratively with Kirklees Council and the NMTF.”
In 2022 Huddersfield-based Bethan Aspland, who runs Pretty in Paper by B, was highly-commended in the Yorkshire and Humber regional final.
Among the businesses showcasing what they do are cool kitchenware brand The Neighbourhood Threat and Charlie’s Wooden Crafts which makes bespoke items from trees that would otherwise go for fire wood.
The Neighbourhood Threat is described as a “colour-popping, charismatic and nostalgically cool” kitchenware brand which is the brainchild of Salford artist Holly Ramsay.
Bursting with oddity but warm and welcoming in its weirdness, its range of tea towels, oven gloves, mugs, coasters, and cushions is both theatrical and irresistible.
From the Space Age collection to the Kitsch line, you’ll find science fiction teamed with glam rock, animals-at-loose alongside antique curiosities, and colourful caricatures contrasted with floral motifs and fruity prints. Holly draws her inspiration from music icons Iggy Pop and David Bowie.
Charlie’s Wooden Crafts Ltd, run by Queensbury-based Charlotte Lowther, makes all kinds of quirky and fun items. She has a mobile saw mill which allows her to reuse some beautiful pieces of wood that would otherwise be wasted.
She also re-purposes products bought from charity shops like teapots and cups to create Teapot Bird Feeders.
There will be festive music throughout the day and the winning business will be announced at 1.30pm.
Sarah added: “It’s never been more important to shop local this Christmas in a bid to boost the local economy, supporting businesses who hand craft their products and often ethically source their materials to limit their impact on the environment.”
The market runs from 12noon until 6pm.
