CRAFTS in the Pen is to be held at Skipton Auction Mart where over one hundred exhibitors will showcase and sell their unique hand made products this weekend.

There will be a great range of different craft mediums such as jewellery, wax, woodwork, metal, paper crafts and glass and will provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to make a start on their Christmas shopping for those extra special gifts. Items will also include handmade Christmas decorations, cards and wrapping.

The event is inspired by the much loved Art in the Pen which has been running for 10 years. It will follow the same layout, as exhibitors transform the empty cattle pens into miniature craft galleries to display their work.

There are also a number of workshops running throughout the weekend for visitors to try their hand at, and a children’s craft area for the little ones to enjoy while mum and dad enjoy a warm drink. The café will also be open serving hot and cold food.

The event is all held under one roof so no need to worry about the wet weather. Just dress warm and enjoy.

Andy Lynan, artistic director of the event said: "Crafts in the Pen is not an event where profits are shared amongst the organisers. Half of the profits from Crafts in the Pen will be reinvested into the event to increase on the number of exhibitors and develop the event in future years. We want this to become an event that shoppers look forward too, that increases tourism and highlights what a great market town Skipton really is. The other half of the profits will be handed over to The Mart Theatre. The Mart Theatre is an extremely unique organisation as it runs within a working auction mart. The theatre has existed without funding since 2012. Currently the theatre only creates enough income to hire the space and create the brochure. We want to be able to invest into our Christmas Pantomime. For the past couple of years we’ve created our own in-house productions and have kept tickets at a really low price that is accessible for all. But we do need to hire sets and costumes and bring in equipment for special effects to make the panto even more magical. We urge anyone who supports The Mart Theatre to come along to Crafts in the pen.’

Crafts in the Pen will be held at Skipton Auction Mart on Saturday and Sunday 21 and 22, from 10am-4pm. Entry is £5 per person with under 16's free. Entrance includes an exhibitor brochure and parking. More details can be found at www.craftsinthepen.org.uk