ONCE again, the prestigious Craft Market Kendal brings some creative sparkle to the Brewery.

Staged at the Kendal arts centre from Friday-Sunday, November 25-27, the well-known annual event showcases some of the top names in Cumbrian art and crafts.

Organiser and highly regarded Art to Wear, porcelain and print artist, Jan Huntley Peace, is keen to point out that the event is much more than an art and craft fair.

"Craft Market Kendal is something special, adds Jan. "It heralds the start of Christmas preparations in South Lakeland. Exhibitors are all hand-picked for their levels of excellence in their own particular medium or craft and the show provides a fantastic atmosphere of creativity and inspiration supported by live music and seasonal refreshments.

A shop window for some of the best art and crafts, CMK welcomes back regulars such as award-winning ceramicists Rebecca Callis, James Hake and Gwen Bainbridge. Continues Jan: "We have many exhibitors joining us for the first time such as Von Allen with her amazing Heartfelt Dogs all one off needle felted characterful dogs, and Penny Hunt’s beautiful sgraffito earthenware plates, bowls and plaques inspired by rivers and the upland fells."

Jan, who produces beautiful jewellery and delicate porcelain vessels inspired by vintage lace and birds, has worked with Zandra Rhodes, David and Elizabeth Emmanual and Norman Hartnell and is no stranger to local art events.

"I feel really passionate about showcasing the fantastic creative talent in this area.

"We are all looking for something unique, beautiful and designer-made for gifts especially in the run up to Christmas. Meeting and talking with the artists themselves is really special."

Craft Market Kendal includes is pewter jewellery by Maria Santos-Alcantara, handmade books by Elizabeth Shorrock, artisan textiles by Jan Beadle, and leather work made and designed by Tony Morgan, who, alongside James Mitchell (green woodwork) and Judith Favret (who makes beautiful hand made papers and turns them into lamp shades etc), will be demonstrating his craft during the showcase. Milana Felt, Oubas Knitware (who boasts as having Alan Bennett as a client) and Memo Illustration, specialising in hand screen printed vintage style stationary, will help broaden the appeal of the popular event.

Open Friday, 5.30pm-8.30pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, noon-5pm.