Vendors came together at the Harbourside Market yesterday when products including clothing, scented candles, Christmas ornaments and handcrafted jewellery were among the items on sale.

Shoppers turned out early and in numbers at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute where about 40 merchants were set up.

The event was one of two to be hosted by the BUEI and most vendors said they were impressed by the response from the public.

Quayunte Watson, who runs Gombey Isle — a concrete decor business — said she was encouraged by the attendance.

“I feel happy, it’s so great and I love this spot and it’s just a beautiful day,” she said.

Ms Watson said it was her second year taking part while her business, which is also in its second year, is picking up.

“I’m just trying to market the business some more but it’s a great day,” she added.

Donna Pink, who owns Donna Pink Designs, sold three -dimensional glass ornaments as well as resin products at the event.

She said: “It’s pretty good and this is my first time being a vendor here.”

Charles Henry, who makes handcrafted stained-glass ornaments, said many shoppers were interested in his products, including those which he crafted to depict Bermudian moongates.

Mr Henry said: “It’s a pretty time-consuming task and you have to really love stained glass to get into it.

“The glass is very expensive and glass prices have increased.”

The Somerset resident said that he tries to create “combinations of many sorts” including Christmas-themed products.

“I try to depict that Bermudian heritage in my craft,” the former teacher added.

Inside the BUEI’s main building, mother and daughter Jerry-Dee Richardson and Britany Hailey of JB’s Coastal Creations were selling their crafts as shoppers made inquiries about the products.

Ms Richardson said the duo started the part-time business some three years ago and last year they decided to give it the name JB’s Creations.

She added: “Last year we were up stairs but we didn’t see the increase in foot traffic we are seeing today”.

Her daughter does laser engraving for the team’s wood products as well as acrylic art for other items.

The women also created a mini painting set for children, a new addition to their product line this year.

“We do it part time and it’s time-consuming but we love doing this and we hope more people will come by,” she added.

Chioke Hewey of Suave Street Wear, said he sells “premium quality clothing” for men in all sizes and he said it was his first time offering products for sale at the event.

“I’m going to be at the next one in December and I’m hoping more locals will come out and support the local businesses,” the entrepreneur added.

Mirandra Pedro operates Bosom Buddies with two friends andthe proceeds go to the cancer care charity PALS.

She said: “We have been very pleased with the turnout and we have sold quite a few things.

“We are steadily repacking things to the table so it’s been great.”

The BUEI will host another Harbourside Market event on December 6.