Local business celebrated at Carlisle Cathedral crafts fair

Over 30 businesses were featured at 'Quirky Easter at The Fratry' which took place in Carlisle Cathedral's Fratry Hall and Undercroft on Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9. 

The event fell under the wider umbrella of the local business collective Quirky Eclectica which was created by crafters Ashley Walker, from All Things Nice By Ashley, and Tracey Lindsay, from Manor Barn Organics, in 2021.

Quirky Easter at the Fratry (Image: Matthew O'Hara/NQ)The pair aim to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere through their events that also promote independent local crafters and at the Fratry event Ashley emphasised this.

She said: "Me and Tracey are really passionate about supporting small, local businesses. We have got about 30 here with us this weekend and it is all about bringing the Cumbrian artisans together and getting them out there.

"We always say, it is like having a day out with friends because all of us makers all know each other now."

Ashley Walker (Image: Matthew O'Hara/NQ)

Tracey was also on hand to echo Ashley's sentiments and further highlight the pair's passion for creating a thriving community for local crafts.

She said: "We are really passionate, obviously about what we do, but also about supporting other small businesses.

Michael Mcgregor's The Flying Chocsman was one of the business featured at the Fratry event. (Image: Matthew O'Hara/NQ)"I know how difficult it is to be a crafter so that is what we want to do. We want to create a community and an environment where people can show off what they do and what they work so hard at.

"We have not just built a community but we have built some really strong friendships and we support each other. We know how hard it is to get going and here we all promote each other as well."

Bankyard Creations (Image: Matthew O'Hara/NQ)Ashley and Tracey also host monthly artisan craft and food fairs in Carlisle's city centre with the next event pencilled in for Saturday, March 16.