I am excited to be exhibiting my stained glass at the long-established and popular Fort Purbrook Contemporary Craft Show for the first time this November (on 5 and 6 November 2022).

This event was one of many that had to be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, so I am glad it is now going ahead.

The impressive venue for this show, Fort Purbrook, is one of the historic forts that were built along the hilltop above Portsmouth in Victorian times. It was completed in 1870 and forms part of the line of forts on Portsdown Hill, along with forts Widley, Southwick and Nelson. These forts were built for the defence of Portsmouth against landward attacks in the 1860s, but were never actually used defensively.

Today, Fort Purbrook is used as an activity centre, but a lot of the original features of the fort, such as stencilled signs, metal shutters covering gun ports, and cannons remain on the site.

If you are not local, it is worth driving along the hilltop Portsdown Hill Road, which offers stunning views down across the city of Portsmouth and to the sea beyond.

As well as this historic location, you have the craft show to enjoy. Fort Purbrook Contemporary Craft Show has a reputation for offering quality goods, food and drink to get you in the Christmas spirit. Many of the stalls will be manned by the makers themselves, so you can have a chat about their making processes.

This is your one-stop shop for all your Christmas gifts. What could be better than finding a handmade, unique piece for a loved one, and wonderful Christmas decorations, all under one roof?

I’ll have my popular angels and Christmas tree decorations for sale on my stand. In addition, there will be all sorts of other stained glass goodies to tempt you, some with a Christmas theme and others suitable to enjoy year-round.

If you need a sit down and refreshments before, during, or after your craft shopping, there is a cafe on site.

You can also take a tunnel tour of the historic site, and have a go at a workshop with other exhibitors at the event.

The Fort Purbrook Contemporary Craft Show is on from 10.30am until 4.30pm on both Saturday and Sunday 5 and 6 November 2022. Simply follow the signs to the event.

Fort Purbrook Contemporary Craft Show takes place at Fort Purbrook (Peter Ashley Activity Centre), Peter Ashley Lane, Portsdown Hill Road, Portsmouth PO6 1BJ (follow the event signposting).

It would be great to see you there! However, if you can’t make these dates, my final event of the year is the following weekend in a Garden Gallery in Bishop’s Waltham, Hampshire. Do have a look at my blog about that if you are interested.