Exeter’s Christmas Craft Market Returns

The annual event, hosted in the forum between 11-3pm, supports creative and entrepreneurial students, providing them with job opportunities and a floor to showcase their skills in a hands-on environment. Students apply for roles through MyCareerZone.

Jennifer Hardwick, Student Employment Co-ordinator, said: “The Christmas Craft Market started five years ago with five stands in a corridor near to where the Guild Student Shop currently stands. Since then it has gone from strength to strength and we now have 30 stands for the event in the Forum.

“The whole idea came from students who contacted the casual jobs service because they wanted to earn money with their existing skills or through a business they had developed. We are very proud to host an event that celebrates and displays the talents of these entrepreneurial students to the local community.”

This is a predominantly student hosted event with artists designing the posters for the event and entrepreneurs selling home-made products and services on the stalls. There will also be two RAG charities and a stand for student musicians to promote future music events. The Bluebelles, the University of Exeter Piano Society and the University of Exeter Singers will be performing throughout the day.

The stalls offer a unique, diverse selection of goods, from personalised colourful bunting, traditional wildlife placemats and cards, quirky unique jewellery and colour-changing t-shirts. This provides an opportunity to buy a distinct, home-made Christmas present for friends and loved ones.

The Craft Market, hosted by the Career Zone, coincides with the Farmer’s Market which will feature outside the Forum.