Lincolnshire Makers group host craft stalls from South Holland's surrounding areas at The Session Houses in Spalding
By Michaela Roper
Lincolnshire's community of makers crafted up a storm at the unique site of former Spalding courthouse.
Around 45 makers took over The Sessions House venue in Spalding on Saturday, which formerly stood as a working courthouse up until 2016.
Members of the Lincolnshire Makers group set up stalls in the building, which is now a wedding and private event location, to mark the first time the house has been opened up to the public.
One of the venue's owners, Oliver Sneath, said "as much as people enjoyed the event, they were fascinated by the building".
The makers market hosted an array of local businesses, many from South Holland, which included Lincolnshire Honey and Wicked Temper chocolatiers.
For local roastery Jackalope Joe Coffee Co. it was the first time owner Hannah Joe had ever served her product directly to the public.
"It's nice to give people that opportunity," said Jodie Mason, founder of Lincolnshire Makers, which is home to over 1000 local crafters and creators.
"We've been going to lots of events and found ourselves often travelling to Lincoln or Grimsby," she explained as the inspiration for Spalding's market.
The event was only the second time the makers group had come together to showcase their works.
"There was something for everyone on every budget," and "a definite variety" of makers' stalls, ranging from wines and gins, to local cheeses, jewellery, and even stone carvings.
The Sessions House also hosted live musicians throughout the day, with a violinist and a guitar duo stationed at each end of the venue to entertain the crafting enthusiasts that attended.
Members of the Lincolnshire group also arranged workshops that took place during the market. Pottery and painting classes were a hit with children and adults alike, encouraging people to have their hand at some of the crafts that were on display.
"If we do it again we'll definitely hold more workshops," said Jodie Mason, whose plans for the future of the Makers' Market extends into the festive period. with requests from visitors to hold a similar Christmas event this year.
