AFTER FIVE months of retail lockdown, South Coast Makers Market is throwing open its doors this Saturday in Bournemouth town centre with a line-up of 45 local businesses. Visitors can expect a curated collection of high-quality stallholders showcasing talented South Coast creatives alongside a host of local food and drink including Bad Hand Coffee, The Way Outback and Chulli’s Woodfired Pizzas. Bournemouth’s Independent Makers Market is happening at The Loading Dock on Saturday May 1, located in the heart of Bournemouth behind The Avenue Shopping Centre. A spokesman from South Coast Makers Market said: “Supporting handmade makers and high street independents is at the heart of what we do, and we are delighted to be reopening with a standout line up of brilliant, innovative local businesses.
Pen Gallery in Kingland Crescent, run by Emma Rowland, is part of a high street regeneration programme. The gallery s purpose is to support local artists and provide them with a permanent space on the high street and a platform within the community. A Crowdfunder page has been set up to support building works, provide supplies for volunteers and more. Director Emma Rowland, 24, said: Fundraising will be a key financial stream for the gallery going forward. We will be applying for Arts Council funding and National Lottery funding, but Crowdfunding is a good way to get the community involved. Emma is keen to offer a permanent space for artists and art lovers alike within the conurbation.