In the lead up to Christmas, local community interest company Open Culture stage this special event to offers shoppers an alternative to the high street, a chance to purchase gifts directly from the artists and craftspeople that make them.

The event will see 150 of the North West’s most imaginative artists, designers and makers, presenting thousands of unique items at prices for all pockets including:

Paintings, photographs, prints, sculpture, textiles, knitwear, jewellery, clothing, cards, vintage, ceramics, glass, handmade beauty products, accessories and much more.

Christina Grogan, Open Culture Director said, “2011 sees our third Winter Arts Market and it gets better each year! We bring together a mass of talent and creativity from across the region into one of Liverpool’s most beautiful venues for people to enjoy. It’s so satisfying buying something that you know is truly unique directly from the maker. At Open Culture we say: buy handmade, buy local, buy beautiful, it needn’t cost the earth’

Shoppers can also relax and enjoy some food and drink from another new addition to the event, two new Can Cook Cafes setup especially for the event offering their tasty winter warmers menu including some scrumptiously seasonal mulled wine!

A special programme of free musical performances will also take place inside the Crown Courtroom and visitors can discover some fascinating facts about the venue from historical characters brought to life by the Friends of St Georges Hall and Lormac Productions will give you the rare chance to meet Queen Victoria!

Entrance is £1.50; children under 16 years enter for FREE!

A special preview of some of the exhibitors will feature on the event blog at http://winterartsmarket.wordpress.com