A new independent shop is officially opening on Halloween to bring the magic back to the high street in Cumbria.
The Cupboard Under the Stairs is celebrating opening in The Cloisters, in Appleby-in-Westmorland, on Sunday, 31 October with broomstick riding lessons, wizarding fancy dress competition, and their own Hagrid on hand to welcome visitors.
Owner of the new independent family-run gift shop, Jennifer Gibbons, said: “Living in the Honorary Quidditch Town of Appleby, and being a massive Harry Potter fan, it was my dream to open a shop that shared my own passion for the wizarding world.
“We’ve had great support from the other independent shop owners and Town Council in Appleby, and we wanted to make the opening a special event for everyone to enjoy and take part in.
“Lilly’s Cafe is creating Hogwarts inspired food and drinks – including Pumpkin lattes and pumpkin pasties, and our local circus school, Euphoric Circus, will be entertaining visitors, mingling with the muggles in town as some familiar magical faces.
“We are inviting people to come dressed as their favourite magical character, whatever your age, to take part in our Wizards Fancy Dress competition, which our own Hagrid lookalike will be judging at 3.30 pm in The Cloisters with prizes for the best male and female characters.”
The shop has created four new jobs, and the staff are all Potter fans and are proud of their Hogwarts Houses that the Sorting Hat has assigned them.
As well as selling official licensed Harry Potter merchandise and independently sourced unique items, Jennifer is also looking for local artisans to add to the magical gifts.
Jennifer added: “We are looking for local craftspeople who would be happy to discuss the possibility of creating specific items on a commission basis for retail in my store. I’m initially looking for knitters and woodcrafters – however, we would like to hear from any artisans.”
