Brockhurst to hold May Makers Market event
By Connor Steel
FORT BROCKHURST will open its doors again this month as it holds the annual May Makers Market event for 2022, with organisers Hampshire Cultural Trust and Gosport Gallery recently confirming more information about the free two day showcase; which will bring local makers, artists, creators, and businesses together at the famous English Heritage site located off Gunners Way, Gosport.
Starting at 10am on May 28, visitors will be able to explore one hundred craft stalls selling products and materials; which will likely include handmade greeting cards, wreaths, and knitted creations. The stalls will be spread around both inside the historic fort and outside on the open parade ground, working alongside local food vendors and musical entertainment suitable for all ages.
Entry to the event will be free to everyone across the two days with the market finishing at 4pm on May 29 (Sunday), although nobody will be permitted entrance after 3:15pm on both days to ensure the site is emptied safely once closed. Parking is available on the parade ground for a small fee of £2 with visitors asked to avoid using the Range car park or roads around the nearby industrial estate.
Visitors are further warned that some corridors and indoor elements of the fort may not be pushchair or wheelchair accessible, whilst they are advised to wear suitable shoes due to uneven and stony ground conditions. Deep waters in the surrounding moats and steep stairs are further potential hazards for any visitor who wants to explore the site; something that is actively encouraged by organisers.
The fort’s range of artefacts including armoury, washrooms and gun ramps will all be available to view over the two days, with entry being free alongside the makers maker, although children under sixteen years must be accompanied by an adult for health and safety reasons. Toilets will also be available for public use throughout the two days, although queuing may be needed at busy times or to allow cleaning to occur.
Organisers are hoping that this event builds on the hugely successful ‘Festive Fair at the Fort’ held in late November 2021, which saw hundreds of visitors attend over the weekend in search of Christmas gifts. And they are still looking for more people to run stalls across the two day event, with anybody interested asked to contact search@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk; which is also where visitors can ask further questions about the event before it opens to the public in just under three weeks time.
PICTURED BY ENGLISH HERITAGE: Overhead view of Fort Brockhurst, which will see craft and food stalls open for exploration at the May Makers Market weekend to be held later this week.
