Craft Fairs and Events
As well as our online shop we travel to craft fairs all over Cornwall and occasionally further afield. We have served customers at all sorts of locations from small village halls to large tourist attractions such as the Royal Cornwall Show, the Highclere Show (Downton Abbey), Heligan Gardens and Healey's Cider Farm. We've even had a pop-up craft fair in the city of London!
If you wanted to drop by and see us you can visit one of the craft fairs that we will be attending.
You can always arrange to collect an online order at one of our fairs. If you would like to do this then contact us at enquiries@thelittlesoapshed.co.uk.
If you wanted to drop by and see us you can visit one of the craft fairs that we will be attending.
You can always arrange to collect an online order at one of our fairs. If you would like to do this then contact us at enquiries@thelittlesoapshed.co.uk.
2024
November
St Ives Farmers Market - Island Centre St Ives - 09:30- 14:00
Monday 4th
Monday 11th
Monday 18th
Monday 25th
Monday 4th
Monday 11th
Monday 18th
Monday 25th
St Ives Artisan Craft Market - Island Centre St Ives - 10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 6th
Wednesday 13h
Wednesday 20th
Wednesday 27th
Wednesday 6th
Wednesday 13h
Wednesday 20th
Wednesday 27th
Porthleven WI Christmas Fair - Porthleven Public Hall - 10:00- 15:00
Saturday 16th
Saturday 16th
Cornish Winter Fair - Royal Showground Wadebridge
Saturday 23rd (10:00 - 17:00)
Sunday 24th (10:00 - 16:00)
Saturday 23rd (10:00 - 17:00)
Sunday 24th (10:00 - 16:00)
Hayle Monthly Food & Craft Market 10:00 - 14:00
Saturday 30th
Saturday 30th
December
St Ives Farmers Market - Island Centre St Ives - 09:30- 14:00
Monday 2nd
Monday 9th
Monday 16th
Monday 2nd
Monday 9th
Monday 16th
St Ives Artisan Craft Market - Island Centre St Ives - 10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 4th
Wednesday 11th
Wednesday 18th
Wednesday 4th
Wednesday 11th
Wednesday 18th
Cornwall Gold Christmas Market - The Gold Centre Portreath - 10:00 - 16:00
Thursday 5th
Friday 6th
Saturday 7th
Sunday 8th
Thursday 5th
Friday 6th
Saturday 7th
Sunday 8th
Supporting Small Businesses and Building Community: The Significance of Local Craft Fairs
In the bustling world of online shopping and globalised markets, local craft fairs hold a special place in supporting small businesses and fostering a sense of community. These delightful gatherings showcase the talent, creativity, and craftsmanship of local artisans while serving as vibrant hubs that enrich both the local economy and the lives of community members. In this article, we will explore the importance of local craft fairs and how they contribute to the growth and well-being of small businesses and the communities they serve.
Celebrating Artisanal Creativity
Local craft fairs offer a haven for artisans and crafters to showcase their unique creations, which are often made with passion and dedication. Unlike mass-produced items found in big-box stores, each product at these fairs carries a story, reflecting the creativity and individuality of its maker. From handcrafted jewellery and textiles to pottery and soap, the range of products available at these events is boundless. By supporting local crafters, consumers not only get to own one-of-a-kind items but also become patrons of artistry, preserving traditional crafts that might otherwise be forgotten.
Fostering Economic Growth
Small businesses are the backbone of local economies. When community members attend craft fairs and purchase goods from local artisans, they directly contribute to the growth of these small enterprises. The financial support received from craft fairs can make a significant difference in the lives of small business owners, helping them sustain their operations, invest in new equipment, and expand their offerings. In turn, these businesses provide job opportunities, contributing to a thriving local job market and strengthening the community's economic foundation.
Building Personal Connections
Beyond the financial aspect, local craft fairs provide a space for personal connections to flourish. As customers take in the stalls, they have the chance to meet the faces behind the products, engage in meaningful conversations, and even learn about the intricate processes involved in crafting these wares. Such interactions create a sense of trust between the artisans and the community, turning buyers into loyal patrons and fostering a supportive network that extends beyond the village hall.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Local craft fairs often feature traditional crafts that are deeply rooted in the region's culture and history. These fairs serve as guardians of cultural heritage by showcasing age-old techniques and art forms that have been passed down through generations. By supporting these artisans, community members actively participate in preserving their own cultural identity, creating a bridge between the past and the present.
Promoting Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the environmental impact of mass production and consumerism. Local craft fairs align with sustainability efforts by promoting eco-friendly practices. Many artisans use recycled materials or ethically sourced components, ensuring that their crafts are not harmful to the environment. By supporting these practices, customers can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
Strengthening Community Spirit
Local craft fairs are not just marketplaces; they are celebrations of community spirit. These events bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents. The lively atmosphere of a craft fair encourages social interactions, making it an ideal place for neighbours to catch up, newcomers to connect, and families to spend quality time together. As these bonds strengthen, so does the overall well-being of the community.
Local craft fairs hold immense importance for small businesses and the communities they serve. By attending these events, customers can celebrate artisanal creativity, contribute to the local economy, and support sustainable practices. Moreover, these gatherings offer opportunities to build personal connections, preserve cultural heritage, and foster a vibrant community spirit. So, the next time you're on the lookout for unique and meaningful products, consider visiting a local craft fair and experience the joy of supporting small businesses while being a part of something greater – a flourishing and interconnected community.
Celebrating Artisanal Creativity
Local craft fairs offer a haven for artisans and crafters to showcase their unique creations, which are often made with passion and dedication. Unlike mass-produced items found in big-box stores, each product at these fairs carries a story, reflecting the creativity and individuality of its maker. From handcrafted jewellery and textiles to pottery and soap, the range of products available at these events is boundless. By supporting local crafters, consumers not only get to own one-of-a-kind items but also become patrons of artistry, preserving traditional crafts that might otherwise be forgotten.
Fostering Economic Growth
Small businesses are the backbone of local economies. When community members attend craft fairs and purchase goods from local artisans, they directly contribute to the growth of these small enterprises. The financial support received from craft fairs can make a significant difference in the lives of small business owners, helping them sustain their operations, invest in new equipment, and expand their offerings. In turn, these businesses provide job opportunities, contributing to a thriving local job market and strengthening the community's economic foundation.
Building Personal Connections
Beyond the financial aspect, local craft fairs provide a space for personal connections to flourish. As customers take in the stalls, they have the chance to meet the faces behind the products, engage in meaningful conversations, and even learn about the intricate processes involved in crafting these wares. Such interactions create a sense of trust between the artisans and the community, turning buyers into loyal patrons and fostering a supportive network that extends beyond the village hall.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Local craft fairs often feature traditional crafts that are deeply rooted in the region's culture and history. These fairs serve as guardians of cultural heritage by showcasing age-old techniques and art forms that have been passed down through generations. By supporting these artisans, community members actively participate in preserving their own cultural identity, creating a bridge between the past and the present.
Promoting Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the environmental impact of mass production and consumerism. Local craft fairs align with sustainability efforts by promoting eco-friendly practices. Many artisans use recycled materials or ethically sourced components, ensuring that their crafts are not harmful to the environment. By supporting these practices, customers can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
Strengthening Community Spirit
Local craft fairs are not just marketplaces; they are celebrations of community spirit. These events bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents. The lively atmosphere of a craft fair encourages social interactions, making it an ideal place for neighbours to catch up, newcomers to connect, and families to spend quality time together. As these bonds strengthen, so does the overall well-being of the community.
Local craft fairs hold immense importance for small businesses and the communities they serve. By attending these events, customers can celebrate artisanal creativity, contribute to the local economy, and support sustainable practices. Moreover, these gatherings offer opportunities to build personal connections, preserve cultural heritage, and foster a vibrant community spirit. So, the next time you're on the lookout for unique and meaningful products, consider visiting a local craft fair and experience the joy of supporting small businesses while being a part of something greater – a flourishing and interconnected community.