The Basingstoke Discovery Centre in Hampshire will host its first Makers Market of 2026 on Saturday 21 March. Running from 10am to 4pm, the event brings local creators and handmade goods to the heart of the town at Festival Place.
Shoppers can browse a variety of unique gifts and items made by people living in the community. While the full list of traders is being finalised, the market has previously featured local businesses such as Basingstoke Honey and Handmade by Hedgehog, according to Destination Basingstoke.
The market will go ahead while the building undergoes a large £1.3 million improvement project. This first stage of work started in February and will continue until 10 April 2026, but the library is remaining open for visitors as usual during this time.
The project will create three new rooms for the community to use and office spaces for 92 council staff. These staff members are moving to the centre from their former headquarters at Dame Mary Fagan House as part of the council’s wider relocation plans.
The event also helps celebrate 2026 being named the National Year of Reading across the UK. According to the National Literacy Trust, this campaign aims to encourage more people to visit their local libraries and enjoy creative community spaces.
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