Discovery Centre Festive Makers Market Success

Last weekend was an exceptionally busy one here at the Discovery Centre as we welcomed 20 artists and craftspeople to our Festive Makers Market. It was wonderful to see the great range of unique items on offer for sale, from handmade ceramics, jewellery and glassware, to chocolate, flowers and more. 

Many of the vendors already enjoy a special relationship with Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, with the inspiration it provides for their crafts and designs. Artist Anna Wilson-Patterson's work currently features on the Discovery Centre's art wall and is directly influenced by many of the reserve's landmarks and vibrant colours. Anna shared that she had been keen to take part in the Festive Makers Market and show her reserve-related cards, calendars and paintings because 'it's really interesting for people to take a walk on the reserve and then see paintings of where they have just been. Hopefully it will inspire them to draw, paint and photograph for themselves.'

Visitors were also inspired to explore the connection between natural materials and festive decorations. At the stall run by Katie Underwood of Flower Show Presents and Carrie Warrior of Warrior Flowers, visitors were invited to find out more about festive wreath-making and the use of sustainable, natural components for making decorations. 'Our wreath making is inspired by the colours of nature, using natural components that continue to dry out on the wreath.' Katie Underwood explained, 'these can be added to, so they're long-lasting and sustainable.'

The exceptional seasonal weather throughout the weekend also added to the joy of this event. The sunshine was a real bonus which led many visitors to explore both the reserve and the event. As a result, the Discovery Centre saw plenty of visitors on both days, many of whom enjoyed not only the Festive Makers Market and festive menu in the Lime Kiln Café, but also the sights of Kingfishers, Rock Pipits, Little Egrets and the occasional Spoonbill - all fishing within sight of the Discovery Centre.

As well as promoting interest in local artists and designers, the event generated plenty of additional enthusiasm for the Discovery Centre's retail offerings. Sales were brisk throughout the weekend with advent calendars and baubles proving particularly popular. The Sussex Wildlife Trust calendar for 2023 was also a top seller.

Lime Kiln Café also enjoyed spectacular success after launching a hugely popular festive menu for the event. By the end of Sunday, all of the handmade turkey sandwiches and mince pies were completely sold out and the café staff and volunteers had served a record number of customers.

After the weekend, Assistant Manager, Rowan Bunny, shared her delight in the success of the event: 

'The visiting makers, along with our team of staff and volunteers, have put in a huge amount of work to make this weekend a success and the effort has really paid off.'

A huge thank you to all of our staff, volunteers, stallholders and visitors who made this weekend such a success.