This year Simply Christmas, which has previously held its markets at the Grève de Lecq barracks, joined forces with Genuine Jersey to put on the Island’s largest ever artisan and producers’ markets over two weekends in December in the build-up to Christmas.
There were 56 stalls at the event and all stallholders have already ‘expressed an interest’ in returning for next year, according to the event’s promoters.
Organiser Sarah Taylor said that their first event at the new location ‘really could not have gone any better’.
‘The wet and cold weather did not deter shoppers, nor did it dampen the great atmosphere we had here on both long weekends,’ she said.
‘We had so many people delighted by the event and at the variety and standard of gifts on sale. I already have a queue of those eager to sign up for next year’s markets.’
Genuine Jersey chief executive John Garton said they would ‘love’ to work with Simply Christmas for future events.
‘Our huge thanks go to the sponsors of the markets and all those that came out in force to support our local producers, craftworkers and artisans,’ he said.
The event, which also featured entertainment by local performers, was sponsored by Signtech and Islands Insurance and raised £2,289.81 for Variety, the Children’s Charity, through a raffle in which each stallholder donated an item.
Funding was also granted to Genuine Jersey by the States to support the event.
Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham said that the event had been a ‘wonderful showcase’ of the Island’s creative talent.
‘I would wholly support its return to the Royal Square next year,’ he said.
‘Events like this are helping to develop our Christmas offering so that we can encourage more visitors to come to the Island during the Christmas season.’
