Artisan businesses get a showcase in Topsham

Artisan businesses ranging from jewellery makers to a carbon neutral carpenter are getting a showcase in Topsham at the end of March.

The first Love Topsham Artisan Business Fair takes place in Matthews Hall on March 26 - the first day of spring - from 10am until 3pm.

There will be well over 20 stalls, almost all showcasing businesses based in and around Topsham but lacking their own permanent shop windows.

“We’ve got a host of entrepreneurs and creatives with extraordinary businesses, often working under the radar in offices, homes, lofts and old warehouses. This is their time to shine” says Graham Norwood, a director of Love Topsham, the community interest company which is organising the fair.

Exhibitors will include caterers, a chocolate party organiser, a charcuterie producer, artists, fitness experts, jewellery makers, writing services, an eco-packaging maker and even Topsham’s Repair Cafe and Topsham Museum shop teams.

“It’s obviously tough for all businesses right now and we’re delighted that so many have come forward to exhibit. There will be some demonstrations and people will be

able to buy unique gifts. It’s happening on the day the clocks change to mark the start of spring - and a great opportunity for our businesses” says Graham Norwood.

The event is the first of the year organised by Love Topsham, a non-profit making group of local volunteers who support the town’s traders, community groups and residents.

The group runs a series of activities to promote the town, ranging from the provision of 90 hanging baskets outside businesses, through street entertainment in the summer, right up to a series of Christmas festivities and the provision of lights and trees throughout the town.

Full details of the Artisan Business Fair are on www.lovetopsham.co.uk