A pop up Christmas market with a twist

A pop-up festive market is coming to Wood Street on Devember 5.

FESTIV_ALT will be taking over empty shops on Wood Street from noon on Saturday, December 5.

It’s geared at Christmas shoppers who are looking for something a little different in the way of gifts, art and entertainment.

The event will be packed with market stalls selling unique and original Christmas gifts made by local 16 to 25-year-old artists, makers, entrepreneurs and craftspeople, who have been offered the space for free as a platform for their businesses and talents.

The event will feature a programme of live performances from up-and-coming local artists including Lewis Armitage, Jonny Firth and Chloe Witchell Chibber, plus projections, art exhibitions and interactive activities for everyone to get involved in.

Amy Lilley, of organisers somewhere_to, said: “Swap commercialism for community this Christmas and have a great day out while supporting local entrepreneurs and craftspeople.”

FESTIV_ALT is running in several venues across the UK, with sister events happening in Birmingham, Brighton, London and Nottingham.

The pop-up has been created by somewhereto_, a UK wide programme which unlocks free space for 16 to 25-year old creatives and entrepreneurs. The initiative is funded by a £7 million grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

The arts group is also behind a touring post card exhibition which is coming to the city on Wednesday. Miss Lilley said: “Opening on the Wakefield Artwalk on Wednesday, November 25, From somewhereto_With Love will showcase 80 different pieces of work from emerging artists from across the UK in Create Cafe at Wakefield One.”

The exhibition will stay at Burton Street until the following Sunday. The tour will feature a range of media from drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and digital print, graphic design, illustration and collage.

For more see www.somewhereto.com/events,