Artsfest Xmas

Artsfest is bringing its Christmas market to The Purple Turtle on Saturday 5 December, a full day of independent makers and handmade goods in the heart of Reading. It runs from 10am to 6pm, so you can drift in whenever suits you rather than rushing to be there for the start.

The market is pitched as an alternative to high street shopping, and that's where the appeal lies. Instead of the usual chain store displays, you'll find a treasure trove of independent makers and handmade crafts. There's a good spread of what to look for: unique prints, photography, jewellery and one-of-a-kind gifts, all sitting alongside locally made food and drink. It's the kind of place where you can pick up something that doesn't look like it came from a warehouse, and the food and drink side means you can stay and browse rather than just popping in and out.

Because it's run by Artsfest, the focus is on the makers themselves. You're buying directly from the people who actually made the things, which makes it a decent spot for Christmas shopping if you're after gifts that feel a bit more personal than what you'll find on a high street. The mix of prints, jewellery and local produce means you can tick off a few different lists in one go, rather than spending the whole day bouncing between different shops.

It's all at The Purple Turtle, 9 Gun Street, Reading RG1 2JR, on Saturday 5 December from 10am to 6pm. Entry is free, so you can just turn up and have a look around without needing to book anything in advance.