A VEGAN pop-up shop is set to open in Basingstoke next month.

Vegan Fiesta will officially open in Festival Place on March 1 at 11am, and will return on the first Sunday of each month after that.

Sarah Zeneli, founder of Sparkle Vegan Events, decided to open the branch in the shopping centre following the success of her monthly Vegan Fiesta event which launched in January.

She said: “The shop is a larger space than our previous location so we will have even more stalls offering delicious food, yummy cakes, tasty pastries, natural jewellery, artisan goods, cruelty-free skincare and eco-friendly gifts.”

Customers can also buy plastic-free glitter tattoos and pick up free informative materials, as well as sample tasters and giveaways.

Sarah plans to invite speakers into the pop-up shop and hold workshops.

The 28-year-old, who was vegetarian for 10 years before becoming vegan more than four years ago, said: “Everyone is welcome inside the shop and it’s completely free entry. We have received fantastic feedback about our events so far, from the friendly atmosphere to the wonderful traders, so we can’t wait to return in our new home.”

The shop will give local businesses selling vegan products the chance to showcase what they offer.

Sarah launched her vegan business, which takes vegan products to events, festivals and markets, having previously worked in event management, and said: “I wanted to do a job that aligned with my vegan values. I thoroughly enjoy it. It’s wonderful to give vegan friendly businesses the chance to showcase their products.” “For me it was the ethical reasons. I was vegetarian for 10 years and then found out about animal cruelty in the dairy and egg industry that I didn’t know and it shocked me. I decided to try it one month and thought I would give it a go and I have never looked back. It was the best decision I have ever made.”

The new shop is on Queen Anne’s Square, near Lush. For updates follow Vegan Fiesta on Instagram and Facebook @VeganFiestaBasingstoke.