Crafty Vintage expands to Blackburn’s Farm

Crafty Vintage, the driving force behind the region’s artisan market revolution, has announced the expansion of its popular event series to a new venue at Blackburn’s Farm in Wrea Green.

This marks a significant milestone in the Crafty Vintage journey as the team has long sought a venue near Lytham to bring its unique brand of creativity and entrepreneurship to a new audience. The first event at Blackburn’s Farm promises to be a festive celebration, officially launching this long-anticipated addition to Crafty Vintage’s ever-growing list of impressive venues.

For over a decade, Crafty Vintage has been at the heart of Lancashire’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering a vital platform for local makers, creatives, and small businesses to showcase their products, connect with customers, and grow their brands. From Crow Wood Hotel and Spa in Burnley to Holmes Mill, Brockholes Nature Reserve, and now Blackburn’s Farm, Crafty Vintage is more than just a market—it is a launchpad for start-ups and an incubator for entrepreneurship.

A Dream Come True: Expanding to Wrea Green

Co-founders Laura and Dan Johnson have been searching for a venue near Lytham for several years, with the ambition of creating a new hub for creative entrepreneurs in the area. Blackburn’s Farm, with its idyllic countryside charm and strong community roots, was the perfect match.

“We’ve always wanted to bring Crafty Vintage to the Lytham area, and finding Blackburn’s Farm feels like a dream come true for us,” said Laura Johnson, Co-founder of Crafty Vintage. “The farm offers a beautiful and inspiring backdrop for our events, and it allows us to tap into a new, enthusiastic audience eager to support local businesses. We’re incredibly excited to get started and to see how the community responds to this new venue.”

Dan Johnson, co-founder, added: “This venue is something we’ve worked toward for years. We’ve built Crafty Vintage on the idea of nurturing start-ups and helping small businesses flourish. Blackburn’s Farm gives us a chance to bring that vision to a new level, providing an even broader platform for makers to showcase their talents.”

The upcoming Christmas Market will be the first of many events at Blackburn’s Farm, setting the stage for an ongoing series of markets that celebrate local craftsmanship, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. The festive event will combine artisanal crafts, live entertainment, and delicious food, offering a unique shopping experience that reflects the charm and character of the farm.

A Platform for Start-Ups and Small Businesses

Since its inception, Crafty Vintage has been committed to supporting entrepreneurs and helping start-ups thrive. By offering a platform for makers and creators to display their work in a lively, supportive environment, Crafty Vintage has become a key player in fostering entrepreneurship in Lancashire. Many vendors who started out with Crafty Vintage have transformed their hobbies into successful full-time ventures, thanks to the exposure and customer engagement provided by these markets.

“Our markets are all about giving makers and small businesses the tools they need to grow,” said Dan Johnson. “We’re constantly inspired by the entrepreneurs we work with, many of whom have used our events as a stepping stone to launching their own shops, brands, and even expanded into larger markets and retail outlets.”

Crafty Vintage has hosted events at some of The North West's most iconic locations, building a reputation as a driving force in the region’s creative economy. The list of venues where Crafty Vintage has hosted events is extensive and includes:

• Crow Wood Hotel and Spa, Burnley
• Holmes Mill Complex, Clitheore
• Brockholes Nature Reserve
• Helmshore Textile Museum
• Hoghton Tower
• Oswaldtwistle Mills
• Whalley Monthly Artisan Market
• Lowther Castle, Penrith
• Skipton Town Hall
• Accrington Town Hall 
• Darwen Monthly Artisan Market
• Shores Hey Farm
• Lancaster Castle
• Williamson Park - Highest Point Festival
• The Royal Lancashire Show
• Cedar Farm, Ormskirk

Each event has seen Crafty Vintage play a pivotal role in supporting local businesses, encouraging new start-ups, and promoting the best of Lancashire’s artisan and creative communities.

Economic Impact and Community Enrichment

The economic impact of Crafty Vintage’s events extends far beyond the vendors themselves. By drawing large crowds to its markets, Crafty Vintage has helped stimulate the local economy, benefiting nearby businesses, restaurants, and accommodation providers. In addition, the markets have contributed to boosting tourism in Lancashire, with visitors from outside the region attending the markets and exploring the surrounding areas.

“Our events create a ripple effect in the local economy,” said Laura Johnson. “When people come to our markets, they’re not just buying from local makers—they’re also spending time in the community, visiting local cafes, staying at local hotels, and supporting other businesses. We’ve seen firsthand how these events can breathe new life into towns and villages.”

Crafty Vintage events are also highly valued for their cultural contribution. In addition to the market stalls, the events feature live entertainment, artisanal workshops, and interactive experiences, creating a rich cultural environment that attracts visitors of all ages. Musicians, street performers, and artists are regular fixtures at the markets, ensuring a vibrant, engaging atmosphere.

“We want our events to be more than just markets—we want them to be cultural experiences that people remember,” Dan Johnson added. “Whether it’s listening to live music, participating in a craft workshop, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, we aim to create something that brings people together and celebrates creativity in all its forms.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Lancashire’s Entrepreneurs

The new venue at Blackburn’s Farm is set to become a key part of Crafty Vintage’s future as the team continues to focus on supporting local entrepreneurship and building a sustainable future for Lancashire’s creative and business communities. With more events planned for the coming months, including family-friendly gatherings, seasonal markets, and special community events, Crafty Vintage is set to expand its influence even further.

As the demand for artisan products and unique shopping experiences continues to grow, Crafty Vintage’s role in Lancashire’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is more important than ever. By providing platforms like Blackburn’s Farm for local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, the team is ensuring that Lancashire’s start-up culture remains vibrant and resilient.

“Blackburn’s Farm is just the beginning,” said Laura Johnson. “We’re committed to expanding our events, creating new opportunities for local makers, and helping more businesses start and grow. We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re excited to continue supporting Lancashire’s entrepreneurial community in new and innovative ways.”

For more information about upcoming events, follow Crafty Vintage on social media.