Cardiff Christmas market is returning on 10 November and runs until 23 December 2016.
Located in Cardiff city centre, unique vendors will be selling goods starting from Queen Street, all the way to the Hayes.
Offering everything from metalwork to food, this year’s market will feature over 80 stalls for the first time. However, regardless of what individuals are selling, the market has one aim: to showcase items you would not find in any high street shop.
Jane Hall, the operations manager of Cardiff Christmas market, says, “95% of our exhibitors are true artists and crafts people who make their own products.”
In 1994, Cardiff Christmas market was set up as a craft festival, called Craft*folk. It was designed to provide a platform for artists and crafters to sell and display their work. However, over its 22 years, it has gradually expanded to include food and drink vendors.
In 2015, the city centre manager asked Jane to grow the market further. Jane, 64, said, “Despite expanding, we will not compromise on the quality of the exhibitors who take part.” In order to maintain a vibrant atmosphere many of the food stalls are offering some unique seasonal experiences.
Babita ‘s Spice Deli is offering Christmas themed Indian sweets, containing almonds, pistachio and cardamom and Id’s Place will be serving up traditional Nigerian foods and snacks. Tast Natur will be selling organic vitamin-packed syrups, which can be used in alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, as well as puddings.
Cardiff Christmas market continues to grow in popularity. Non Rhys, 43, the owner of Tast Natur, says this is because people want to buy “seasonally, locally and ethically.” Moreover, Jane says the market’s growing reputation stems from the opportunity provided to customers to meet their manufacturers, find out where their food is coming from and ask questions.