LEADING East Lancashire shoe company Lanx is to host a weekend showcasing the work of some of the area’s most innovative and creative companies.

The North West Creators Meet-Up will be held at Lanx Shoes new premises on the Mitton Road Business Park in Whalley at the beginning of August.

Among those taking part will be Goosnargh Gin, Bowland Leather, bag makers Both Barrels, women’s clothing designer Oubas Knitwear, premium spirits company Lucelas and the Hide Ranger.

Marv Vaghetti, founder of Lanx Shoes said: “There are so many innovative, independent companies around the area like ourselves and this is an opportunity for us to get together under one roof to showcase the quality that’s available.

“We are hoping that this will become at least an annual event and that we will perhaps be able to expand it to include more artisan producers and creatives next year.”

To launch the event there will be a special evening with the founder of the Reebok sports empire, Bolton-born Joe Foster on Friday, August 5. This will be a ticketed event with proceeds going to the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Over the weekend of Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7 the various companies taking part in the Meet-Up will have a full range of their products on display and to buy.

“It will give people a chance to meet the producers in an informal setting and hopefully pick up a few items along the way,” said Marv. “There will be music and food available to create a special atmosphere.”

The Meet-Up is open to the public from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for An Evening with Joe Foster are available from www.lanxshoes.com.

Lanx was founded in May 2018 and as well as its main base in Whalley also has a shop in Manchester’s Northern Quarter selling both men’s and women’s footwear ranging from boots and shoes to sneakers.

The varied collections all have names reflecting the company’s Lancashire roots and are stamped with either the Lancashire rose or Lanx’s distinctive white bull logo.