St Annes Artisan Market launches with a flourish

The brand-new St Anne's Artisan Market made its vibrant debut yesterday in the beautifully regenerated St Anne's Square, bringing together talented independent makers, creators, and start-ups from across the North West for a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and community. Despite strong winds in the early afternoon that led to an early pause for public safety, morning visitors enjoyed browsing a fantastic selection of handmade crafts, unique homeware, artisan food and drink, one-of-a-kind gifts, and innovative creations from emerging talent. The team thanks everyone for their understanding as safety always comes first. Organised in partnership by Fylde Council and Crafty Vintage – one of the North West’s most established and respected artisan market organisers – the event highlighted the perfect platform for small independent businesses to thrive. Crafty Vintage, founded over 15 years ago by the Johnson family (Laura, Dave & Dan), has built a strong reputation for creating welcoming retail environments where makers, creators, and start-ups can flourish. With a passion for artisan markets, vintage fairs, and quirky pop-up events across Lancashire and beyond, they have proudly supported over 1,000 independent traders, helping them connect directly with customers, showcase their passion and skill, and build sustainable businesses in beautiful locations. “This partnership with Fylde Council is incredibly exciting,” said Laura Johnson, Co-Founder of Crafty Vintage. “St Annes Square is the ideal setting for our monthly market – a vibrant hub where local makers and start-ups can shine. We’re committed to championing independent talent and delivering events that celebrate creativity while boosting the local economy and community spirit.” Now Monthly – Your Regular Date with Creativity! The St Annes Artisan Market is set to become a firm favourite on the Fylde Coast calendar, running monthly on the second Saturday of each month (10am–4pm, free entry). Each event will feature a fresh rotation of stalls, giving shoppers the chance to discover and support a diverse range of talented makers, food producers, designers, and start-ups. What to expect: • Beautiful handmade crafts, jewellery, art & homeware • Artisan food, drink & seasonal treats from local producers • Unique gifts and designer pieces you won’t find on the high street • A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere full of that special independent market buzz 2026 dates (always check closer to the time for any weather-related updates): • Saturday 9 May • Saturday 13 June • Saturday 8 August • Saturday 12 September • Saturday 10 October • Saturday 14 November (Note: No market in July due to the St Annes Carnival.) The regeneration of St Annes Square has created the perfect flexible events space – with improved paving, lighting, and layout – to host exactly these kinds of community-focused gatherings and bring more life and footfall to the town centre. Whether you’re a shopper looking for something special, a maker or start-up interested in trading, or simply someone who loves supporting independent talent, the St Annes Artisan Market is your new monthly destination. Come and meet the makers – support local creativity and start-ups in the heart of St Annes!