General News
10 December, 2025
Makers market goers brave weather
The annual Horsham Makers Gallery Christmas Market was a resounding success despite the unusual weather conditions that threatened it throughout the night and into the early hours of Saturday morning.
The annual Horsham Makers Gallery Christmas Market was a resounding success despite the unusual weather conditions that threatened it throughout the night and into the early hours of Saturday morning.
Despite the thunder, lightning, and rain, organisers and the 50-plus stallholders persevered and were not disappointed as crowds descended on the library carpark, albeit with umbrellas hoisted aloft for the once-a-year event.
Quality handmade or produced items were in plentiful supply, from olive oil to handbags, flowers, pottery, skin care, bookworm items, and, of course, the coffee and doughnut vans, and, as any great market would have, a Rotary sausage sizzle.
Children played in puddles while others dodged them, all out for a good time and some Christmas shopping of handmade local goods.
Market organiser and member Liz Minne said on Monday that the committee was extremely pleased with the market's success despite the weather.
"We want to thank the stallholders for persevering when the weather certainly appeared challenging,” she said.
"In particular, a special thank you to the crowds who came regardless of the rain.
“We are so grateful to them all for making it such a success, especially as the stall holders depend on our market for their sales so close to Christmas.”
Ms Minne said most stallholders had tents or some form of covering, and the library building offered some protection from the wind.
"Most of the stall holders said they had a good day of sales," she said.
People with bunches of flowers lined up for a hot coffee and jam doughnuts, and could be heard chatting with each other about which gifts they bought for whom for Christmas.
“The stall holders make all of their products and work hard in the lead up to the market, so we don't want anyone to miss out because of the weather, hot or wet.
"If stallholders don't have anyone to help erect their tents, we always have someone on hand that can help, so it might be worth noting that for next year.”
Many of the items on sale at the market are stocked in the Makers' Gallery and Studio, so if you saw something you liked and didn't get back to buy it on Saturday, the gallery is open for last-minute shopping right up to Christmas.
The Makers Gallery and Studio is situated at 28 McLachlan Street, Horsham, and is open from Monday to Friday 11am to 3pm and Saturdays 10-12noon, but has extended hours in November and December from 10-4pm in the lead up to Christmas.
