The UK’s largest arts and crafts retailer has announced when it will open its new store in Southend.

Hobbycraft is set to host a grand opening event at its new Southend branch in London Road Retail Park.

The event on August 13, from 9am, will include product offers and activities including free goody bags for its first 100 customers and live crafting demonstrations throughout the day.

Store manager Gina Ford (pictured), said: “We are really looking forward to opening the doors to our Southend store and sharing our passion for arts and crafts with the local community.

Read more >>> Hobbycraft launching new store at London Road Retail Park in Southend after profit spike

"Over the last few years, we have seen more people than ever take up crafting and we want to encourage locals to come down to the new store and share their crafting experience.

"We look forward to providing Southend customers with the ultimate retail experience, combined with fantastic crafting products at great prices."

The new Hobbycraft shop will offer customers its extensive range of crafting products.

Its in-store art department will feature new paper stands, wall art and product presentation to showcase the fantastic collection of art products available.

Hobbycraft says it has created 14 new jobs in the Southend area with this store.

The arts shop will also offer customers a range of experiences and dedicated craft spaces in store, including craft workshops throughout the year, a custom crafting area and a haberdashery area.

The new Hobbycraft store's opening times are:

Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm

Saturday 9am – 7pm

Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm