All things bright and beautiful

LET'S face it, keeping your lolly in the bank isn't going to get you anywhere. No, investing in art is the thing.

It's that time again. The Winter Arts Market, Liverpool’s largest arts and craft market, is back: brought to you by Open Culture, Phil Redmond's lot.

Punters can enjoy and buy original artworks, crafts and gifts from 120 stalls this weekend, in the stunning surroundings of the Grade I St George’s Hall.

See that framed study entitled "Gibbon at Play", that one sitting over by the grand organ? Imagine how it would look over your own gas fire.

They bill this as a “unique shopping experience” and there are several bolt-ons to keep it interesting. Mike Badger, the Liverpool Ukelele Orchestra, Showstoppers Concert Band and dozens more performers will be making the music happen in  free gigs in the Crown Courtroom throughout the weekend.

You don't get that out shopping on the streets of the city centre, not unless you count Baz the trumpet player.

Winter Arts Market Artists rAnd there's more, such as: Living History where visitors to St George's Hall can discover fascinating facts about the place from roaming Dickensian characters brought to life by the Friends of St George’s Hall. Plus Lormac Productions offer the chance to meet Queen Victoria and her royal entourage (imposters) in the Heritage Centre.

Then there are Can Cook pop up cafés and free health checks (blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol) and advice on issues including smoking, healthy eating, physical activity, alcohol and other areas.

Complete the weekend, they say, with a visit to the free museum or art gallery on William Brown Street (both open daily 10am to 5pm).

Families can enjoy the free Dinomania weekend at World Museum which sees a 14ft Tyrannosaurus Rex on the loose, plus talks, special displays and craft activities. Art lovers can head to the world class Walker Art Gallery for The Art Books of Henri Matisse exhibition.

Or you can simply go home and stare at that oil painting of the alleged gibbon you bought, and keep asking yourself: "Where's its tail?"

*The Winter Arts Market, St George’s Hall, Liverpool, Sat 3rd & Sun 4th December 2011. 10am-5pm. £1.50 entry. Under 16s free. See here for more info.