By Olivia Hunt, Community Editor
Want to get in the festive spirit on a student budget? More than 200 independent artists, designers and makers will take over Bristol Beacon this Christmas, celebrating gifts designed, made and sold by real people. The Made in Bristol Gift Fair returns to Bristol Beacon for a free celebration of more than 200 independent artists, designers and makers from 10am-4pm on Saturday 28 November, Sunday 6 December and Saturday 12 December 2026.
In an era in which AI-generated art and media is taking the world by storm, why not slow the pace down and support some local, independent artists from Bristol. From ceramics to jewellery, original art and prints, textiles, homeware, candles, craft kits, Christmas decorations and stocking fillers, your gift shopping list could be done in a couple of hours!
But the fun isn’t only in the presents, you can meet the people behind the products to discover skills, processes and stories behind their work. For almost two decades, Made in Bristol has championed independent makers, helping small creative businesses thrive while connecting shoppers with the people who imagine, design and make the things they buy.
Bryony Morgan, founder of Made in Bristol, said: ‘Christmas is such an important time for independent makers and where we choose to spend our money really does make a difference. As technology becomes an ever bigger part of our lives, I think there’s a growing appreciation for things that feel genuinely human. Every maker at the Gift Fair has their own ideas, skills and story, and every piece has been imagined and created by a real person.
‘Bristol has an extraordinary creative community and the Gift Fair brings hundreds of those independent businesses together, making it incredibly easy for people to support them. There’s something special about giving someone a present and being able to tell them who made it, how it was made and where it came from. We want people to come to Bristol Beacon, discover businesses they may never have encountered before and do some of their Christmas shopping differently this year.’
Printmaker Steph Renshaw, who will exhibit at the Gift Fair, said: ‘Made in Bristol is unlike any other event because visitors genuinely want to know about the people behind the work. Some customers have been coming back to see me year after year.
Laura Cooper
‘As an independent maker, opportunities like this are incredibly important. They allow us to connect directly with customers, share our stories and build relationships that simply don’t happen through online marketplaces. There’s something really powerful about people choosing to buy something handmade from the person who actually created it.’
If you’re interested (and excited), head over to the Bristol Beacon this season for Christmas goodies and more! Different artists will be available at each of the dates, so if you don't find what you need the first time, attend another date for an extra search.
Featured Image:'Jules and Clem' | Made in Bristol / Jo Hounsome
Will you attend the gift fair this year?
