By Rachel O'Brien

Creatives flocked to The Old Market in Upper Market Street, Hove, for the launch of Craftaganza Live: a free, monthly talk and social event for the Brighton and Hove craft scene.

Organised by Sarah Meredith, one of women behind Brighton Craftaganza, the event gave like minded individuals the opportunity to meet.

The first event kicked off with a talk from the owners and creators of the creative hub Super + Super HQ – Amy Phipps and Claire Culley.

Approximately 70 people flocked to hear anecdotes and business advice from the creative duo.

From writing a five year business plan in a week to carrying a fridge up four flights of stairs, the talk was lively, humorous and received plenty of applause.

However the message was clear: starting and running a business is 25% fun and 75% hard graft and still challenging if you are a woman in the industry.

Miss Phipps, who studied textiles at University of Brighton, said: “We had no idea so many people would turn up and stay.

"It was a whole new and nerve racking experience for both of us but we feel it’s so important to share real information about the highs and lows of starting your own business and also to inspire people to do it.”

The monthly speaker or speakers will include bloggers, designers, artists and teachers.

Miss Meredith, who has been planning Craftaganza Live with Zoe Edwards since early spring, said: “I was blown away by the amount of people that came along. It was a full house which I didn't expect.

"I just hope that the evening goes from strength to strength and that people walk away feeling inspired and want to come back to the next one!”

On Wednesday, November 14 the creators of The Big Forest will take to the stage. Doors open at 7pm.