The annual Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair on this weekend at Hyde Park Corner is an absolute gem on Joburg's crowded markets calendar. From 12-14 October 2018, the rooftop of the Hyde Park shopping centre transforms into a bustling, stylish hub perfect for browsing over 100 of the finest locally-made, high-end craft textiles, ceramics, home goods, fashion, shoes, jewellery and all natural skincare brands.

The fun social atmosphere alone of Sanlam HmC Fair makes attending the market a can't-miss event — you get to join Joburg's fashionable set sipping on premium artisanal spirits like Flowstone Wild African Botanicals Gin or on steamy espresso from cult favourite coffee shop Father Coffee, while roaming among the stands, under the banner of this year's theme, "a return to making".

Exhibitors with similar offerings are grouped together, with select "Featured Designers" headlining each thematic pavilion. Look out for the Lifestyle Pavilion, featuring Cape Town-based farm and winery Babylonstoren; the Homeward Pavilion, featuring ceramics studio Chandler House; the Textile Pavilion featuring modern sustainable textile label Sindiso Khumalo; the Wine Pavilion, curated by wine expert, Nkululeko Mkhwanazi; the Jewellery Pavilion, featuring contemporary handmade jewellery studio, Tinsel Gallery; and the Well Made in Africa Pavilion, presented in partnership with House & Leisure, featuring incredible continental brands Lrnce (Morocco), Yemi Awosile (Nigeria/UK), Epicure (Burundi/South Africa), and Ruum Gallery (Mozambique). 

A highlight of this year's Sanlam HmC Fair is the series of interactive making workshops open to the public at the "Makers Corner". Each workshop is led by experienced artisans and teaches a specific craft skill, such as a ring carving workshop with Made By Jewellery; a ceramics painting workshop with Dayfeels; and a weaving workshop with Greyroom. Online booking is required to secure your spot in a workshop. 

The Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair at Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre Rooftop in Johannesburg is open to on Fri. 12 October from 12:00-21:00; Sat. 13 October 10:00-21:00; and Sun. 14 October from 10:00 -16:00. Tickets are R130 for one-day access or R350 for a weekend pass. You can purchase tickets online here.