The first Christmas arts and crafts market at STEAM Studios has been hailed a success.
Ron Dearing UTC’s Arts Council and staff welcomed members of the public to the new centre for creativity in Hull’s former Central Fire Station.
Local traders and makers sold everything from illustrations and Christmas decorations to jewellery and scarves, while Hull historian and author Dr Alec Gill MBE and poet and author Audrey Dunne signed and sold copies of their books.
Audrey said: “We had a lovely day and had some wonderful chats with people. We had a crowd around our table and we loved signing our books.
“Everyone enjoyed doing their Christmas shopping, including me, and it’s wonderful to see what has been done to the old fire station. I’m looking forward to more events like this in the future.”
Elodie Canon, nine, from South Cave, sold terrariums with plants in glass pots as unique Christmas gifts and was accompanied by her mum, Hannah Hoggart.
Elodie said: “I used different stones and alpine plants from my garden to make them. I enjoyed selling them and would like to do it again.”
Ron Dearing UTC Arts Council members Juliet Wilkes-Oliver and Kal Mears sold sweet treats and hot drinks as they welcomed visitors to STEAM Studios while other members made cards and decorations to sell, raising £250. They also raised £300 for the Hospice UK charity by selling bric-a-brac.
Year 12 student Kal, 16, said: “It was lovely to see so many people across the day supporting local craftspeople and some people took the opportunity to have a look around the building.”
Year 11 student Juliet, 15, said: “We’d like to organise more events like this and establish STEAM Studios as an events space too. We hope more students will also be able to sell their crafts in the future.”
Hull residents Tanyar and Simon Guzdek were among members of the public who attended the event.
Tanyar, who bought a print at the market, said: “We love fairs like this and it’s brilliant. We like to buy bespoke, one-off gifts as Christmas presents and this was the perfect opportunity to do that.”
Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re so proud of the Arts Council students who have put so much into making this event a great success. They’ve also spent several evenings making items to sell.
“It was fantastic to welcome lots of visitors, including local residents, and the day went really well.”