Festive fun at museum’s crafty Christmas events

Festive shoppers searching for inspiration can get some unique crafty Christmas ideas at Leeds City Museum.

Starting this weekend, the museum will be hosting the first in a series of Maker’s Festival events, where visitors can have a go at making their own crafts alongside a team of experts from around the region.

Events in December will include the chance to make a hand bound sketchbook or a wool Christmas pudding as well as exploring the history of making in Leeds.

Every Saturday in December, families can also make sparkly festive crafts for free at Rory’s drop-in Saturday club from 11am-12.15pm.

This weekend will also see the return of the hugely popular Etsy Made Local Christmas market.

Back at the museum for the second year in a row, the event takes place on Saturday, Dec 3 and Sunday, Dec 4 from 11am until 4pm.

Held in the museum’s Brodrick Hall, the event showcases the best local creative talent with a selection of carefully curated products from more than 70 sellers based in and around the Leeds area.

During the day, visitors can browse stalls selling a range of items from Etsy's three selling categories: handmade, vintage and supplies.

There will also be craft workshops and Etsy talks running throughout the weekend. Entry to the market is free but there will be a small charge for the workshops. On Saturday, Dec 3 visitors can also create a hand bound sketchbook for £20/person (advanced bookings only, via Eventbrite).

Last year’s event attracted more than 6,000 people to the museum.

Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries, said: “It’s great that we’re giving people a chance to get some festive inspiration in the run-up to Christmas by visiting the museum for these exciting craft events.

“Christmas is always an exciting time at our museums and galleries and we have a huge programme of events to help visitors get into the festive spirit.”

For more details on the makers festival events, visit: www.leeds.gov.uk/MakersFestival

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 224 3937

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk