Saturday we set off at a very ungodly hour with the car packed up on our way to Bracknell...
The Enchanted Market was our destination, run by the wonderful Baz and Max of Spriggan Mist.
A huge market run over two days (and an evening if you count the pre market party) and packed full with all sorts of amazing stall holders, healer and readers. Add into that not one but three music stages, two speaker studios and a workshop room you are really spoilt for choice. There is even a Steampunk alley which has to be seen.
Expertly and efficiently run by Baz and Max and their team of fabulous volunteers the whole thing appears to run incredibly smoothly.
It was absolutely brilliant to meet up with so many people that I haven't seen for ages and meet a whole bunch of new friends too - I don't think I have ever hugged so many people in one day!
I had the opportunity to finally meet fellow Moon Books author Lucya Starza and catch up with Cat Treadwell (both of whom gave talks as well). I also bumped into Matthew Callow (from the Magical Times) who was launching his brilliant new album.
Talks were given by some really talented people including Kevin Groves, the very gentlemanly Jonathan Argento, the gorgeous Lyn Thurman (from Tarot by the Sea), Suzi Elen Edwards (the Ink Witch), Colin Faherty and Katie May to name but a few!
So many beautifully crafted items on a dazzling array of stalls and absolutely spoilt for choice in the cafe - delicious freshly made sandwiches, homemade cakes, milkshakes, fudge and of course the incredibly colourful Juicy Goddess, Dawnie Tottle who made me a yummy fruit and veg smoothie.
A music stage graced each of the three rooms and various brilliantly talented artists played throughout the day as well as the Bang to Rites drummers.
All this and more for just £2 entry fee.
The evening promised even more goodies in the form of a gig played by Victor and the Bully, Spriggan Mist and Damh the Bard (extra cost but still excellent value for money).
Huge personal thanks has to go to my husband Pete who packed all the stock up, designed the graphics/posters, loaded the car, drove me there, unloaded it all and set the stall up. Then spent the entire day looking after the stall and taking photos - a total star! And thanks to my youngest, Ben who helped with the stock list during the day (and was very impressed to have his photo taken beside the Tardis that sits in the main hall - thank you to Jonathan for moving his stall so that the photo could be taken!).
And as always, big huge squishy hugs to the Kitchen Witch posse - Sue, Sam, Ness and Josh for your continued support (and Gwyneth who was there in spirit) and to the lovely Heather, Hayley and Maria for your support too.
To all those lovely people that attended my talk, those that were 'first timers' and the lovely familiar faces as well (you guys know who you are) particularly a big thank you to Duncan and Angie who I think have attended every single talk I have given at events they have attended (I don't do a loyalty card you know...).
There will hopefully be another one in 2019 (fingers crossed) but also a new one set for Saturday 7th July 2018 - see https://www.facebook.com/events/154658555317460/
for more details.
