If you’re visiting Fareham Shopping Centre from next week, you might notice a little activity taking place at The Courtyard. That’ll be me and the team getting everything ready for Flo’s Pop-up, which opens on Saturday 7 November!
There’s lots to do, from dressing the windows and preparing the space to organising our makers and workshops, but I’m so excited to see it all starting to come together.
If you know Flo’s Circle, you’ll know how passionate I am about celebrating local independent businesses. So having the opportunity to bring some of our fantastic makers and producers together in the heart of Fareham in the run-up to Christmas is very special.
A different experience every weekend
No two weekends at Flo’s Pop-up will be quite the same. Different traders will be joining us throughout the run, so there’ll always be something new to discover.
Expect handmade jewellery, artwork, ceramics, candles and homeware alongside locally produced food and drink, skincare, clothing, eco products, pet treats, crafts and plenty more.
We’ll also be getting creative with workshops ranging from watercolour, jewellery and bauble decorating to glass, collaging and writing.
Meet the makers
One of my favourite things about Flo’s Circle is getting to know the talented people behind our local independent businesses through Flo’s Mag and the artisan markets we organise.
I’m delighted that many of them will be joining us at The Courtyard, including Pop-up Spray Studios, Tea Mountain, Hampshire Wick, Driftwood & Twine, A Little Tangled, Curious View Coaching, Rebelliously You, Arcane Alchemist, Mind Unwind, The Conscious Cocktail Company, Naturally Ewe, Rain 2 Rainbow, Craft & Canvas and Silvercubs, to name just a few.
It’s a little bit of the spirit of Flo’s Market in Portchester brought indoors for Christmas. And, thankfully, somewhere nice and warm!
Buying from a local maker means you can meet the person behind the product, hear their story and discover the care and creativity that has gone into what they do. It also means more of the money we spend stays within our local economy.
Pick up your Christmas Flo’s Mag
Our Christmas issue of Flo’s Mag will also be available free from the pop-up, packed with local ideas and inspiration for the festive season.
There’s still plenty for us to do before opening day, so if you spot us working away at The Courtyard over the next few weeks, you’ll know what we’re up to!
A huge thank you to Fareham Borough Council and Fareham Shopping Centre for supporting the pop-up and helping us bring this idea to life.
I can’t wait to open the doors on Saturday 7 November. Come and say hello, discover some brilliant local businesses and perhaps get a head start on that Christmas shopping list.
To find out who’s popping up and what’s happening when, follow Flo’s Circle on Facebook or visit floscircle.co.uk.
