Virtual stalls launched to help independent Sheffield artists and craftspeople showcase wares before Christmas

Portland Works, which contains a collections of workspaces, said it is opening the virtual shop during this “difficult time” to give its tenant makers and local artisan a platform this festive season.

Shoppers will be able to browse the stalls via a dedicated page on the Portland Works website from Friday, December 4 to Monday, December 7.

“It’s disappointing not to be able to run our event as normal this year but we are very excited to try something new” said Stella Howe, outreach and education officer at Portland Works, which was built in the late 1870s and is often referred to as the birthplace of stainless-steel cutlery manufacturing.

“We have a variety of both our tenants and artisans from the wider community all eager to showcase their produce, we hope lots of people will support us by visiting our dedicated webpage,” she added.

The event starting at noon will tell shoppers a little bit of information about each of the sellers with links to their online shops and their contact details.

Portland Works was brought back to life after 50 years of neglect the building when it was purchased by 500 people in one of the country’s biggest community share issues.

It is now supported by a team of tireless volunteers and by donations from individuals, businesses and institutions such as the Architectural Heritage Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund, KeyFund and the European Regional Development Fund.

To see the webpage for yourself, visit: http://www.portlandworks.co.uk/xmas2020/

Here's where you can see Father Christmas and all the other festive events still taking place this year

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