Special festive guest joins artists at Winter Open Studios

A very special guest will be in residency at The Sorting Office when it throws open its doors for its annual Winter Open Studios.

Father Christmas and his little helpers will visit the bustling studios where a traditional Winter Wonderland grotto, created by The Sorting Office’s designer-makers and artists, will magically appear.

The Sorting Office Winter Open Studios is a unique opportunity to meet the 16 designer-makers and artists based in the thriving artistic hub. It is a chance to see how they work, look around their studios, and, for those who love to shop, a perfect opportunity to pick up a few handcrafted one-of-a-kind gifts in preparation for Christmas.

A tempting array of beautiful hand-woven scarves, handcrafted jewellery, glassware, ceramics, textiles, fashion, accessories, hand drawn cards and artworks will be on offer. The only problem you’ll have is how to get all these wonderful gifts home.

While you shop, the little ones can meet Father Christmas and his helpers in his wonderful winter grotto. As well as being able to tell him their Christmas wishes, they’ll all walk away with a little present, too.

As a special Christmas treat each of the gifted artists will create a dazzling one-off Christmas tree decoration for the event. The collection will be raffled off on the day, with proceeds going to a local charity.

The Sorting Office Winter Open Studios takes place on Saturday, November 22 from 11am to 5pm, in conjunction with the Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch On and Parade. Entrance to the studios and grotto is free.