Mayor Councillor Brenda Stevenson with Kevin McGrellis from Stone Art Gallery, winner of the best stand. Included are Patricia Flanagan, left who founded the Craft Fair and Deirdre Harte, Craft Development Officer, Derry City Council. Photos: Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com
The 20th annual Guildhall Craft Fair held in Derry at the weekend was the most successful ever.
Over 4,500 craft enthusiasts packed the halls of the city’s most iconic building, to pick up gifts created by over 40 crafters, from stone art pictures to stained glass pieces.
Mayor of Derry Councillor Brenda Stevenson said the Fair was a resounding success.
Mayor Councillor Brenda Stevenson with Theresa Coyle from Alpha Stained Glass and a panel showing the Guildhall and Peace Bridge.
She said: “The Guildhall Craft Fair is one of the highlights in the Council’s annual events calendar, and it has really gone from strength to strength in terms of visitor numbers.
“The North West has a thriving craft industry, and as part of our cultural legacy from 2013 we remain committed to supporting local crafters and to building the city’s reputation as a craft destination.
“The fantastic visitor numbers from the weekend demonstrate that the city has already secured its place as a successful and influential creative craft hub, and we will continue to build on these foundations to the benefit of both local tourism and the craft industry.”
One local crafter has attended each year since the Fair first opened its doors 20 years ago, and Kevin McGrellis of The Stone Art Gallery was delighted to pick up this year’s award for best stand by local makers through the Craft Development Programme.
“This year’s Craft Fair was a great success,” he declared. “I’m delighted with the response my Pebble People and Wire People received, quite a few have new homes now and I’ve quite a few orders to make as well. The atmosphere (and craic) at the Fair was exceptional and I think everyone really experienced the feel good factor always generated by the event.
“I was surprised, but delighted to win the best stand competition. I think it’s important to try and display products as well as possible and I’ve probably picked up a few pointers over the years. This year’s stand was probably miles away from my display at the first Guildhall Craft Fair twenty years ago but like most things in the Craft world it’s always a work in progress.”
The Fair took place over three days, featuring a wide array of specially crafted products which were enthusiastically received by early Christmas shoppers, as well as live music and special arts and crafts workshops for budding young creatives.
The Mayor Councillor Brenda Stevenson and Elaine Griffin, Tourism Project Officer, from Derry City Counci.
