Christmas at Waterside Gallery

This annual event has become increasingly popular with local shoppers and visitors to the town. Waterside Gallery is situated on the front of the Marina development located at the harbour in Brightlingsea. The light and spacious gallery is an ideal space to showcase the fabulous range of art work, pottery, ceramics, driftwood home wares, scarves from hand spun wools, hand made jewelry, knitted accessories made from re-cycled wools and much, much more! The gallery hosting this event is owned by Jane and Philip Howden. They provide a much needed opportunity for creative professionals and hobbyists to sell their work, bringing together a broad range of products created by local artists, designers and makers, Commission from sales is donated to Essex Air Ambulance which adds to the contribution this event makes to the broader community.

Open at weekends from 14th November until 20th December (10.30am to 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday), the gallery is run on a voluntary basis by the exhibiting artists/makers. Having the opportunity to meet the people whos work is available is an added bonus for visitors to the gallery. Many of the artists provide a commission service which broadens options available to visitors. With no entry fee, visitors are free to browse in a relaxed informal retail environment in a space which is wheelchair friendly and easily accessible.

Theres plenty to do alongside visiting the gallery which makes for a pleasant day out. The gallery is situated at 42-44 Waterside, near the harbour in Brightlingsea. For those who want to brave the elements (some still do!) theres crabbing on the jetty just around the corner and strolls along the prom! Opposite the gallery The Yachtsmans pub sells delicious food or theres One Harbour Square behind the gallery in the Marina. A few minutes walk away is The Coach House, a snug and friendly cafe serving coffee, cake and delicious soups. Locally caught, fresh sea food is sold from the end of the jetty on Saturdays. There is a public car park and limited space for parking along the roadside.

Christmas at Waterside Gallery is well worth a visit! If you are looking for unique and original gifts there are lots of things to chose from. Many of the local artists sell beautiful cards as well as original art work and framed prints. The range of products available is broad - this is true of the price range too. Buying locally, you will be supporting independent small businesses and can avoid overcrowded shopping centres in the lead up to Christmas!

Mae Kandoo is delighted to be joining all of the other stall holders at this event. After setting up for the opening this weekend, time was taken to look at everything else available...already have things in mind to buy as gifts for Christmas!