From candles to soups, honey and cedar trees the Bermuda Christmas Craft Market at the Botanical Gardens has items that are both local and hand made.

Started about three years ago by Lisa-Dawn Johnston, the Director of Parks, the craft market was a way to draw in crowds to their plant display and an opportunity for local craft makers to showcase their wares.

This year it is organised by Jameka Kelly who is the assistant park planner who has tried hard to ensure there is a variety of craft stalls in the market.

With the children of Purvis Primary school performing last Thursday night and with a chill in the air, Ms. Kelly appeared to succeed in pulling in the crowds.

She said: "It's been packed constantly tonight. The focus is on local handmade goods. We have done the planter's display for many years, but for three years with the craft market."

It runs every Thursday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. until December 18 at the Jack King Building in the Botanical Gardens.

Sonia Bremar, of Twisted Sistahs, offers her organic soups at the fair for the third year running and said she really enjoys the atmosphere which is why she keeps returning.

She said: "This is my third year. It's nice when you can come somewhere and everyone has their own Bermuda items.

"It's nice and homey. It has really grown since It started."

Stalls sell everything from honey to jewellery, soups, knit sweaters and much more. For Jenefer Brimmer who also runs the "Turks and Caicos Bath and Salt Company" and founder of the Bermuda Asthma and Allergy Support Group it presented a new opportunity.

She said: "It is the first time at this market. The atmosphere is great. It's decorated quite nicely."

For more information contact the Parks Department at: 236-5902.