O'come all ye makers: festive fair highlights Manchester's creativity

Bringing Manchester’s greatest talents together for yet another creative showcase, Carbooty’s ‘Festive Atelier’ didn’t fail to impress. Upon arriving at Queen Street on Saturday 2ndDecember, a balloon-lined pathway guided you to a rather insignificant looking warehouse. From the outside- nothing special, yet inside- a world of imagination.

Encouraging the growth of local, independent and community based work, Carbooty is a maker’s fair that is organised and produced by Charlie Booth, Liz Wewiora and Tasha Whittle. The event boasts the talent of makers, designers and crafters, allowing individuals to share and sell their work to members of the public. With a specific focus on up-cyclying, the fair tends to attract business owners and creators that turn the old into the new in ingenious ways.

“The emphasis is really on upcycling products, so you get jewellery made out of spoons or candle holders made out of bottles, that kind of thing.”– Charlie Booth, Carbooty Organsier

The event aimed to encourage people to swap high-street, designer Christmas presents for thoughtful and handmade gifts. From bespoke handmade silver jewellery, to brand new arm chairs made out of old, broken ones, the fair had exciting crafts and gifts around every corner. With 5 hours of fun available to the public at no cost to enter, the Atelier was kept alive with a selection of hot food (Vegan Kitchen & Howlin Tacos) and sweet treats (Sarah Gee Cakes), live performances (Richard Shields, Interpretive Performer) and a DJ.

Having hosted annual Winter Carbooty events for the past few years, the standards were high to pull off yet another successful fair. This time held at The Artwork Atelier, just a 10-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Manchester’s city centre. In such a unique workspace, artists from the Atelier opened their studio doors to visitors, partnering with Carbooty to give a greater insight into the thought processes and innovation behind their work.

A bank of artists and makers often attend the Carbooty events regularly due to their popularity, however the fair is open to talents of all different ages and backgrounds. For the Festive Atelier, there were 30 slots for creators which were given as first-come-first-serve to those interested, once word was put out.

Particularly intrigued by the work of BBC’s Money for Nothingupholsterer, Simion Hawtin-Smith of Reloved Upholstery, gave a greater insight into his work. With a love for vintage furniture, fabric and interiors, his work specialises mainly in the restoration of mid-century chairs- offering a bespoke upholstery service throughout the UK, based from his studio at the Atelier.

Additionally, the work from visual artist, Meg Woods, intrigued all visitors. Inspired by her mental health and how it has encouraged her to turn her feelings and emotions into art through engaging with bright colours and humour aims change the misconceptions of mental health. Click here to listen to an interview with Meg and see her work.

Spreading the creativity across Manchester, Carbooty has also been held at Islington Mill in Salford and during summertime in Ancoats at Unity Radio. Bringing the community together just in time for Christmas, this atelier not only highlighted Manchester’s greatest makers but also inspired many to get involved in the future.

Make sure to follow CarbootyMCR on Facebook for further details about their upcoming events or email the organisers at carbootymcr@gmail.com. Seek and Yee shall find, wonderful things to open your mind!