"In 2000 a group of local craftspeople were asked by the Minerva Arts Centre, situated on High Street Llanidloes, if they would organise a sale of arts and crafts in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Now in its eighth year, the event has gone from strength to strength, each year retaining some regular exhibitors, but also replacing retiring artists with new and different artists or crafts people.

This year, there are some thirty five craftspeople selling their wares, all of whom are based in mid- Wales and primarily from Llanidloes and the surrounding areas.

The purpose of the event is to provide an outlet for craftspeople to sell their goods and has earned a reputation for selling a variety of high quality goods at very affordable prices and to suit all pockets.

The fair is manned by the craftspeople themselves on a rota basis, affording an opportunity for the public to meet the producers and sometimes see them demonstrating their art, it also gives an opportunity for discussion about personalised or specially commissioned pieces.

This years extensive range of crafts includes pyrography, pottery, woodturning, stained glass, jewellery, photographic prints, handmade cards, cakes and preserves, marinades and oils, ceramics, knitwear, glassware, spice garlands, furniture, hats, scarves, rugs, bags, cross stitch and embroidery, willow work, paintings, Christmas decorations and much more.

This years event commenced on the 10th November and will run until December 24th, opening from 10.30am. to 4.30pm., 6 days a week, Sunday being the only day of closure.

In addition, the venue will stay open late on Saturday1st December to coincide with the switching on of the Christmas lights in Llanidloes, an annual community evening of street stalls, food and a visit of Father Christmas arriving on a sledge pulled by huskies.

The original organisers of the event are still involved in staging the fair, Charles Gratrix and myself, Mike Browning and John Smart, the administration being undertaken by Charles.

This is all done voluntarily, on a non personal profit making basis, with its original remit continuing, in that it is a craft community project which hopefully attracts visitors to the town to shop not only at the fair but in all the other excellent local businesses and eating houses, also to encourage town and area residents to shop locally.

Llanidloes is a thriving and friendly market town, with a diversity of shops and excellent eating places. The town, situated amidst forests, lakes, hills and on the banks of the River Seven provides an ideal venue for Christmas shopping."

Article by Stella Gratrix