A cacophony of brass bells ring out, as a chorus of, “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”. Swinging the instruments that are the size of milk bottles are six people; each and every one of them had never lifted a bell half an hour ago. They are only some of the hundreds reliving some of England’s forgotten arts on the event called the Lancanshire’s first ever Traditions Craft Fair. This event took place recently at the Lostock Hall High School.

Lancanshire was once constantly graced with festivities, according to Simon Rennie, chairman of Maghull Parish Ringers from Liverpool. Then some smart guy had the idea that if you have smaller bells than the ones in the Church Tower, then you can ring them anywhere you like. And there is no better place to ring them than in a pub house.

Plus, other people are also sharing their treasured crafts with everyone, in addition to the bell ringers. The aptly named Natasha Twigg was there, holding an ancient wooden mechanism while she made flowers from bark stripped from twigs. You can even shake hands with Linda Courthold; she began quilting as a form of therapy, but ever since then, she has been doing it for profit.

A small part of the fun is an activity called the Rag Rugging Workshop. Go into the packed hall and see stalls selling homemade fudge, some adorable paintings, and ornaments to boot. Include the band that plays traditional folk songs playing on; there are simply a multitude of things to try out.

Aside from the Lancanshire Craft Fair, there are a lot of other events that you may find interesting. Even better, you may even decide to have your crafts appraised. If they’re satisfactory, you may even earn extra on the side by becoming an amateur vendor! So hurry up and go to the fair!