Shoppers are heading to Alton for a colourful Saturday market that spotlights LGBTQ+ makers, raises money for Alton Pride and serves up food and drink specials , a feel-good way to support local artisans during Pride Month.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: The Pride Market runs 11:30am–3:30pm on Saturday 13 June at Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton.
  • Good causes: All vendor fees go to Alton Pride, with in-venue round-up donations welcomed at the register.
  • What to expect: A mix of crafts, candles, soaps, art and baked goods , plus themed custom merchandise and drink specials.
  • Vibe: Community-focused, inclusive and lively; an easy, local way to celebrate Pride Month while shopping small.

A neighbourhood taproom turned community showcase

Old Bakery Beer Company is using its event space again to host the fifth annual Pride Market, and you can practically smell the pastries and hops before you arrive. The brewery has become a regular market venue, offering makers a friendly, well-trafficked spot to show wares. For locals who like to browse with a coffee or pint in hand, this is the kind of casual, social shopping experience that feels more like an afternoon out than a chore.

Who’s selling , and why it matters

This year’s vendor roster reads like a maker’s directory: potters, candle-makers, graphic designers, bakers and indie jewellery creators among them. Names include Viridescent Creation, Lotus Aromatherapy, Glaze Pastry Co. and MyBleedingHeartDesigns, with dozens more bringing a range of price points and tactile delights. Supporting these stalls means putting money directly into the creative community and into Alton Pride, which organises a larger festival later in the summer.

Pride Month energy, without the overwhelm

If a big parade isn’t your thing, markets are a quieter way to join Pride Month celebrations , personal, low-pressure and full of small moments of connection. The market’s theme links nicely to Pride in June, and the organisers are leaning into inclusivity: allies and LGBTQ+ makers share the floor, while shoppers can round up at the till to boost the local nonprofit. Expect a festive but relaxed atmosphere and a few fun, custom merch pieces you won’t find online.

Practical tips for shoppers

Arrive mid-day to catch the full vendor lineup and any food specials, but earlier if you want first pick of popular handmade items. Bring cash for smaller stalls, though most vendors will accept cards; comfortable shoes help if you plan to linger. If you’re buying for someone specific, ask makers about custom orders , many stallholders take commissions, which is handy if you spot something almost-right.

What this means for Alton’s creative scene

Small events like this keep local makers visible between bigger festivals, and every market helps build momentum for the September Alton Pride festival. Locals and visitors buying direct from creators create a cycle that funds more events, more commissions and more reasons for makers to keep practising their craft. It’s community-building in real time, with a side of pastry and beer.

It's a small change that can make every Pride Month purchase feel more personal and more powerful.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

Sources by paragraph: