A NEW Christmas makers’ market is now open in the landmark department store, T J Hughes on Boscombe precinct.

The store, now run as a pop-up arts space named Boscombe Arts Deport (B.A.D.), has been transformed into a winter market and will run for 10 days before Christmas Day.

Having opened on December 2, the market will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until December 23 from 12pm to 5pm.

With over 30 makers and artists taking part, there is plenty of festive goodies to chosen from at the market, organised by Bournemouth Emerging Arts Fringe.

However, BEAF say they are also bringing a host of other festive initiatives to the town to help spread the Christmas joy

Director Carol Maund said: “To add to the Christmas cheer, we have arranged lots of Christmassy activities for everyone to join in.

“Each Saturday, there are free kids’ workshops kicking off at 12.30pm, where young ones can create paper lanterns, garlands and Christmas tree decorations.

“For grown-ups, the makers have organised crafty workshops, including book binding, soap making, origami snowflakes and cracker rolling.

“And for something a little different to the Christmas panto, The Outsiders Project, the resident theatre makers from the outsider community, present their latest performance, Merry F***ing Christmas in B.A.D.’s pop-up theatre on Saturday 11 December at 7pm.”

Visitors can also drop in and watch a programme of animations including a special screening of Raymond Briggs’ enchanting animation, The Snowman on Friday December 17 at 4pm.

The Snowman is brought to life with live music from musicians, The Cabinet of Living Cinema. Guests are strongly advised to book for viewing of The Snowman.

As well as theatre, BEAF also presents a live music programme, both outside and inside the building each Saturday.

Traditional Christmas tunes will be performed by the Poole Borough Brass Band every Saturday afternoon from 2pm and, on December 18 at 7pm, alternative music from bass playing troubadour, Grant Sharkey who will perform in the theatre.

Sharkey, known for his satirical and hilarious ballads, returns after his sell out performance at B.A.D. in the summer.

The B.A.D. Makers Market and accompanying programme has been kindly supported by the

BCP Bounce Back Challenge Fund. BEAF is supported by Arts Council England and Bournemouth Coastal BID.

The full programme of workshops, activities and performances and how to book can be found by visiting the organisers website, gotbeaf.co.uk.