I first heard of the market through a friend about a year and a half ago. She had noticed their page on Facebook and decided we should go along for a snoop. Since then we’ve visited a few times, coming home laden with purchases and empty purses! (Although once you get home you end up sitting in the drive for 10 minutes, frantically stuffing all your newly acquired awesomness into your handbag so you can smuggle them into the house without the other half realising how much you’ve spent... ladies you know how it is.)
Whether you’re a visitor or exhibitor, there’s an instant feeling of community spirit about the place. Everyone’s so friendly, the exhibitors are chatting to each other, and above all it’s a super relaxed atmosphere; there’s no air of competition, everyone is there to enjoy themselves, and the entire space just oozes happiness!
Each market is a platform for around 30 different designer-creators to display and sell their products direct to the customers. It’s a brilliant way to get your product out there on the radar without the worry of renting premises or trying to compete with the growing online market. Some of the exhibitors run an Etsy store along side their monthly stall, which is another route for any of you wanting to take the plunge into starting up your own business.
A few months ago Tommy and I decided that we’d like to exhibit at the market ourselves. When we were setting up InkMonkey our game plan was to open an art store run by artists for artists, and what better place to meet the local talent than here! Getting in touch and booking a spot was a breeze; Kellie is so lovely and super helpful, and we were able to email her with any queries and be guaranteed a prompt reply.
On arrival there’s a tea and coffee dock set up with complimentary refreshments and choccy bikkies to fuel your visual merchandising frenzy, accompanied by an awesome vinyl playlist courtesy of ‘Monkey See Monkey Do’ record stall to get you into the swing of things.
As well as arts and crafts, there's also an array of local food produce to tempt your taste buds. On one side of us was Miss McKeown’s emporium of fine teas; established in Bangor, they hand blend each and every flavour, guaranteeing a signature blend with every cup. I have a packet of their ‘Goblin Market’ tea at home, it’s bursting with a strong fruity taste, and it’s a most decadent shade of burgundy once it’s infused.
The Fine and Dandy Market is a brilliant way to spend a Sunday; with so much to see, taste and smell, you be very hard-pushed to not enjoy yourself. Fifty 5-star reviews on Facebook can't be wrong!
We’d like to thank Kellie for putting on a wonderful day, as well as all the other stall holders for making us feel so welcome, and of course all the lovely customers who fought the terrible rainy weather and came out to support such a worthwhile event.
Handmade with love; supporting local rocks!
https://www.facebook.com/fineanddandymarket
http://www.fineanddandymarket.co.uk/