The UK’s largest arts and crafts retailer is set to launch its new store in Southend this weekend with a grand opening event.

Hobbycraft is set to host the event at its new Southend branch in London Road Retail Park this weekend.

The event on Saturday, 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.

Southend store manager Gina Ford 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 >>> New Hobbycraft store in Southend to host opening event with free goodies up for grabs

"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."

Hobbycraft Southend has created 14 new jobs in the area. 

The new Hobbycraft colleagues will be on hand to provide their crafting expertise, with some of the team including cricut expert Sophie Thompson, baking expert Kaz Bateman, sewing expert Alex Evans and art expert Molly Reynolds.

The shop will offer customers its extensive range of crafting products with its in-store art department featuring new paper stands, wall art and product presentation to showcase the fantastic collection of art products available.

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