Fri. Dec 6th, 2024

Pick up food and homemade gifts at Maidstone Christmas markets

Find gorgeous homemade gifts at Christmassy craft markets and wholesome food at a farmers market in Maidstone this December, brought to you by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) and partners.

Kicking off the festive fun is Maidstone’s first-ever art market, on Saturday 30 November 10am to 5pm at The Market Hall, Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre, arranged by Kent Art Collective and thanks to an MBC Creative Communities Grant. This seasonal community celebration of Maidstone’s creativity and culture has original art, artisan food, music, face painting and workshops.

Cllr Stephen Thompson..

..MBC Cabinet Member for Stronger, Healthier Communities said: “Why not pay a visit to each of these wonderful Christmas markets to find a unique homemade gift for someone special.”

“This art market is a great way to start the festive activities, whether savouring our local creativity or simply looking for that one-of-a-kind Christmas gift, you’re sure to find treasures that captivate and inspire. Please come to explore the incredible talents of Maidstone’s local artists.”

Maidstone Museum hosts a Christmas Craft Market on Saturday 7 December between 10am and 3pm which is bigger and better than ever! With 40 stalls to browse both upstairs and downstairs in the beautiful building, one of Kent’s finest museums. There will be plenty of gifts and goodies from candles to confectionary, crafted gifts, stationery and books, there’s something for everyone, including your pets.

Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre

The following weekend, Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre will be holding a Local Producers Christmas Fair on Saturday 14 December open 10am to 3pm, where you can find beautiful and unique items for Christmas made by local makers.

On Christmas Eve Tuesday 24 December between 9.30am to 1.30pm, pop in to The River Market, a festive farmers market and general market at Lockmeadow Market Hall for all those last minute bargains and wonderful fresh goods.

Stephen continues: “I am thrilled that Maidstone is hosting these festive markets which give visitors the chance to buy something different from local creative businesses. Why not take in the galleries in Maidstone Museum while you are there. In Lockmeadow the following weekend you can even post a letter to Santa and grab a bite to eat in Love Food @Lockmeadow for some very Christmassy days out.”

“Don’t forget the farmers market and general market at the Market Hall at Lockmeadow on Christmas Eve, a perfect time to pick up some bargains and your wholesome fresh food for the holiday festivities.”

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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