Christmas market on April Island in River Stort in Bishop's Stortford features works by artists' collective Island Art

A collective of creatives who live on boats on the southern outskirts of Bishop's Stortford will be hosting a Christmas market this weekend (Nov 27-28).

The artists, known collectively as Island Art, are a community of boat-dwellers who are moored around April Island, a secluded marina next to Southmill Lock.

They are metal sculptor Ivo, jewellery designer Dawn Easby, potter/woodworkers Bernie and Gill Humphrey and Faye Booth, who makes organic skincare products.

Ivo’s sculptures are all made from recycled metal materials and include life-sized models as well as table-top designs and garden features.

Gill and Bernie work with natural materials found along the River Stort towpath, including weathered wood and ivy, to make unique walking sticks and beautiful wooden lamps.

Dawn’s jewellery is also made from recycled materials that she finds on walks along the river, and combines these with precious metals to create nature-inspired pieces.

Faye Booth runs Solstice Skincare and uses natural ingredients and essential oils to make shampoos, natural deodorants and skin creams.

The Christmas market takes place on April Island – a short walk south from Pig Lane along the river towpath – on Saturday and Sunday (Nov 27-28). The artists will be opening the marina gates from 11am to 4pm.