Award-winning events organiser Castle Artisan Events has evolved from a single monthly market in Newcastle-under-Lyme into a vibrant family of six artisan markets across Staffordshire, Cheshire and beyond.
Here, co-founder Jake Burgess reflects on how far the organisation has come, while staying true to its core values of supporting local talent, celebrating creativity and keeping markets welcoming and accessible for all.
“Our markets have grown massively over the last few years, driven by clear and measurable community and economic impact. Since launching six years ago, the organisation has supported hundreds of independent artisan traders, providing regular opportunities for makers, bakers and creatives to showcase their work in prominent town centre locations.
By hosting markets on traditionally quieter trading days, Castle Artisan Events has consistently increased footfall, helping to reanimate local high streets and encourage visitors to explore beyond the market stalls themselves. Independent shops, cafés, bars and restaurants surrounding event locations regularly report increased trade on market days, reinforcing the wider economic benefit of the events.
Beyond commerce, Castle Artisan Events has built a reputation for delivering welcoming, inclusive and family-friendly experiences. Live music, free children’s activities and partnerships with local charities are a key part of every market, ensuring events feel accessible, community-focused and enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
We have recently revealed a refreshed brand identity, marking an exciting new chapter in our continued growth across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire. The refresh is about better reflecting who we are today — proud of our roots, passionate about local creatives, and excited about what’s next.
And in the spirit of supporting independent businesses, we worked with one of our own traders – Dave from Number Fifteen Design – in a collaboration that perfectly encapsulates our community-first approach.
The refreshed branding is now live across the full Castle Artisan Events portfolio, marking an exciting new chapter for our ever-expanding family of artisan markets.
The brand includes the Potteries Artisan Market in Hanley, delivered in collaboration with Stoke-on-Trent BID; the Middleport Artisan Market hosted at the iconic Middleport Pottery in partnership with Re-Form Heritage; the World of Wedgwood Artisan Market in Barlaston; as well as the much-loved Nantwich Artisan Market and Market Drayton Artisan Market.
While each market retains its own unique personality, sense of place and local flavour, the new branding brings them together under a cohesive visual identity. The refreshed look celebrates their shared values of creativity, community, and independent enterprise, while allowing each location’s character and creative energy to shine through.
We have a packed calendar of seasonal events, collaborations and special celebrations and we are looking forward to the future.”
- Castle Artisan Market is held on the third Saturday of each month and returns to The Stones, Newcastle-under-Lyme, on Sunday (15 February).
- The next World of Wedgwood Artisan Market is on 8 March, Middleport Artisan Market returns on 7 and 8 March, and 4 April is the date of the next Potteries Artisan Market.
