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The Winter Arts Market returns to Liverpool Cathedral in December

THE Open Culture Winter Arts Market returns, on Saturday, 7 December 2019, offering shoppers the chance to buy thousands of handmade artworks, crafts and design gifts in the lead up to Christmas. Over 200 independent artists, designers and makers will transform Liverpool Cathedral into the Region's biggest arts market, displaying thousands of colourful creations alongside an artisan food fair and vintage and clothing fair.

Festive shoppers are invited to support local artists and makers and find perfect gifts for friends and family from creatives and makers from across Merseyside who will be selling a huge variety of handmade work. Just some of the thousands of items on offer include:- original screen prints, paintings, intricate jewellery, tableware, beauty products, woodwork, colourful decorations, accessories, textiles, photography, knitwear, hand poured candles plus food gifts, clothing and vintage at prices for all pockets.

Downstairs in the Cathedral's Concert Room, a pop up vintage and clothing fair will offer a range of:- vintage clothing, jewellery, handbags, homewares and vinyl alongside work from independent clothing designers.

Along the corridor in the dedicated food fair, local artisan food producers are on hand with delicious food and drink including:- chocolate, liqueurs, tea, jams, cake and much more.

"The event is the biggest celebration of independent artists and makers in the Region, and we are thrilled to present the work of over 200 homegrown creatives in such an iconic venue. Each year thousands of people come to purchase original works and soak up the festive atmosphere, and this year will be no different. Expect stalls from emerging artists alongside seasoned favourites, and always beautiful, affordable and high quality creations." Charlotte Corrie, Open Culture Director (Organiser)

A closer look at just a few of the stallholders this year:- Children's Author and Ollustrator Maxine Lee Mackie makes zines, graphic novels, stickers, prints and other lovely things. She's influenced by everything she sees, reads, watches, listens to… everyone and everything around her. Drawn to the more mischievous side of life, she's worked with major clients including Disney, Macmillan and Simon and Schuster. Crosby based Photographer Dominic Darvell is a long time attendee of the Summer and Winter Arts Markets, but this will be his 1st time as an exhibitor. He travels all over the UK taking stunning landscape photographs with a focus on original prints of the Sefton coastline. Megan Bretherton, aka Bodhi Silver, is a silversmith, who is based in Liverpool. 'Bodhi' means 'to enlighten,' and Megan's work is certainly intended to bring light to the wearer. It's her 1st time at the Winter Arts Market, so be sure to pay a visit to her stall of unique, consciously crafted jewellery. In the Food Fair, local craft distillery Turncoat make their Winter Arts Market debut. Their gin, vodka and bitters are all made in house, by hand and in small batches using traditional processes. The perfect Christmas gift for a connoisseur! wish us luck! ►  Winter Arts Market. ► Saturday, 7 December 2019. ► 10am to 7pm. ► Liverpool Cathedral. ► Entry ₤3 (children under 16's free) More information visit:-  WinterArtsMarket.Com

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Achievements of children in care recognised

CHILDREN living in care in Liverpool was front and centre at a special awards ceremony that took place on Wednesday, 30 October 2019. More than 100 nominations were received for the '2019 Children's Social Care Awards'  that was held at St George's Hall; and the hosting, meeting and greeting and entertainment was all done by the City's Children, in Care Council, which represents the views of young people in care.  The nominations to the award were made by Social Workers, Council Staff and Foster Carers.

Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, Councillor Barry Kushner, said:- "This event celebrates the resilience and determination of our young people in overcoming unimaginable adversity to turn their lives around and excel in a variety of fields. It is about showing that, with the right support and guidance from our inspirational Social Workers and Foster Carers, being taken into care can have a hugely positive influence and make a massive difference to life chances.  There are record numbers of young people in care in Liverpool, but despite the strain this has put on our Leaving Care Team, the National Department for Education Advisor has described our service 'as a family,' so this event is as much a celebration of their dedication and commitment as well."

Jack Collings from the Children in Care Council, said:- "It's been a really great opportunity for us to plan and deliver an awards ceremony for our young people.  We have done so much ranging from making the decorations through to getting costumes donated and asking for things for free.  It's been really interesting seeing the work that goes on behind the scenes at St George's Hall to make events happen."

Did you know... Liverpool has around 1,450 young people in care and earlier this year announced plans to recruit an additional 160 staff to reduce caseloads and improve support?