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A Worthwhile Detour: York Open Studios in Tadcaster This Weekend The final weekend of York Open Studios is here - and if you’ve not made it out yet, this is the one to catch. Just a short drive from York, we’re set up in Tadcaster at Venue 1, and it’s a space well worth stepping into. This year, you’ll find a small but seriously strong lineup of makers throughout the City and outer regions but in Tadcaster you'll find Venue 1: Morgan + Wells Leather Studio – stunning hand stitched leatherwork, built slowly and made to last using tradition skills and tools. Theatrical costume pieces for the world-wide stage alongside restorations and her own range of luxury bags and British leather belts, keep Naomi busy. MarcoLooks Illustration – bold, distinctive work that brings a completely different energy into the room. With CBeebies, the York Nutcracker trail and AArdman Academy work all under his belt - it's a fabulous Open Studio for budding artists and animators alike. It’s not a crowded gallery or a polished high street shop. It’s a working environment - tools, materials, pieces in progress - the sort of place where you can actually see how things are made and have a real conversation about it. Why make the trip? Because this is the opposite of mass-produced. You can handle the leather, see the stitching up close, understand the time that goes into each piece. You can talk directly to the people making and watch them do it. When to visit 🟡 Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th April 🟡 10am – 5pm 🟡 Venue 1, Tadcaster 🟡 Above the Beth Elsden Art Gallery 30a, High Street, Tadcaster, LS24 9AT 🟡 15-20 minutes from York and Free parking right behind the studios. This is the final weekend - once it’s gone, it’s gone for another year. If you’ve been meaning to come, this is your moment.

We are super excited for Small Business Saturday UK on 6th December 2025, and we hope you are too! This nationwide celebration is all about shining a spotlight on the incredible independent shops, makers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who bring creativity, character, and community spirit to our high streets and online spaces. Whether it’s your favourite family-run café, the artisan who handcrafts beautiful gifts, or the local service provider who always goes above and beyond - Small Business Saturday is the perfect moment to show your support. 💙 Why Get Involved? Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. When you shop small, you’re not just making a purchase - you’re helping a dream grow, backing local jobs, and keeping neighbourhoods vibrant. Even the smallest action can make a huge difference: * Shop with an independent retailer * Share your favourite local business on social media * Leave a positive review * Recommend a small business to a friend Every bit of support counts! Learn, Grow & Connect: Join the Small Business Digital Tour In the lead up to 6th December, Small Business Saturday is hosting an exciting digital tour , packed with free virtual webinars designed to help small businesses succeed and grow. These sessions are led by inspiring small business owners who generously share their expertise - and each webinar is recorded, so you can catch up anytime that suits you. Whether you're looking to enhance your marketing, improve operations, or get fresh ideas, this is an incredible opportunity to learn from people who’ve been there and done it. You can find all the details and register through the official Small Business Saturday UK website. Mark the Date & Spread the Word Let’s celebrate the passion, hard work, and resilience of small businesses across the UK. Save the date - 6th December 2025 - and get ready to shop small, share the love, and help our local businesses shine. Here are some of my favourite Small Businesses: 💙 Marco Looks https://www.marcgodfrey.com 💙 Hannah Weston Jewellery https://www.hannahweston.com 💙 Pedddle https://pedddle.com 💙 Thora and the Prince https://thoraandtheprince.co.uk 💙 Community Clothing https://communityclothing.co.uk/ 💙 Lucy & Yak https://lucyandyak.com 💙 Esme Mai Photography https://www.instagram.com/esmemaiphotography 💙 Beth Elsden Art https://www.bethelsdonart.com 💙 Jane the Potter https://www.janethepotter.co.uk 💙 The Pig & Pastry https://thepigandpastry.com Together, we can make this Small Business Saturday the biggest and best yet! 💙

Experience the magic of a Yorkshire winter at its most enchanting — through the region’s famous Christmas markets. From the aroma of roasted chestnuts to the sparkle of handcrafted gifts and festive lights, these markets capture everything we love about the holiday season. Discover where we’ll be setting up our stall and join us for a touch of handmade Christmas charm. Shop Local This Christmas: Discover York’s Inspired Makers Step inside the world of York Inspired Makers , where craftsmanship and Christmas spirit come together. Their annual Christmas Show gathers some of Yorkshire’s finest artisans — each bringing festive treasures to life, from hand-stitched textiles and original artwork to jewellery, prints, and unique homeware. It’s the perfect way to start the season and shop local in true Yorkshire style. 8-9th November 2025, 10-5pm York Cemetery Chapel , Cemetery Road, York, YO10 5AL or more information please visit their groups page HERE . Crafts in the Pen Winter Wonderland A new one for Morgan + Wells but an exciting one to be part of! Step into this winter wonderland as you explore the stalls adorned with twinkling fairy lights and festive decorations. Crafts in the Pen is a well-established event and offers a shopping experience like no other. 15-16 November 2025 Skipton Auction Mart, Ling Fields, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1UD Follow the Festive Glow to York Makers Christmas Fair Wander through the charming Bishy Road to get to the brilliant York Makers Winter Fair . Packed with talented York makers, you can grab a warm drink and do your shopping in one room - it's one of my favourites. 22nd November 2025 Clements Hall , Nunthorpe Road, York, YO23 1BW Wath Court Christmas Crafts Join us at the Wath Court Christmas Shopping Fair , where bespoke craftsmanship and festive charm come together. Discover a curated selection of handmade pieces from local artisans — the perfect opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts while supporting independent makers this season. 23rd November 2025 The Fold, Wath Court, Hovingham, York, YO62 4NN Thirsk Lodge Barns: Where Christmas Comes Alive Come and spend time at this beautiful Christmas Shopping evening at the stunning Thirsk Lodge Barns . Browse from over 30 local, artisan stall holders. With festive food, including raclette, wood-fired pizzas and waffles available this is one not to miss. 24th Nov 2025, 18:00 – 21:00 Thirsk Lodge Barns , Newsham Road, Thirsk, YO7 4DB A Handcrafted Christmas Awaits at White Syke Fields Bask in the glow of twinkling lights of Winter in the Wheelhouse , providing the perfect setting for the season. With a whole host of local and artisan makers you're in for a treat as you shop to live music holding a hot drink. 29-30th Nov 2025, 10:00 – 15:00 Sand Hutton, White Syke Farm , Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LN, UK Make Yorkshire’s Christmas markets your festive destination this year. From twinkling lights to handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and joyful laughter, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as you explore the magic of the holidays together. For more Christmas markets near you do check out the wonderful Pedddle website and for information on York Christmas Market you get find the information here . 🌲