A NEW series of “specialist” weekend markets to help encourage visitors back into the town post-lockdown, will launch next month in the Market Place.
The first event, scheduled for Saturday 15th May, will be a plant and garden market, followed by a “Just Desserts” market, that will focus on sweet treats – a sure-fire hit for those with a sweet tooth.
The new monthly markets, organised by Melksham Town Council, will have a different theme each month, and will be held until October.
And with the popular Makers’ Market returning this month, on Saturday 24th April; and the weekly Tuesday market still in action – the town’s Market Place is set become a hive of activity this spring and summer.
“This is really exciting stuff,” said cllr Tony Watts at a recent town council meeting, “it will be wonderful to see the Market Place being used on a regular basis.”
It is hoped that the new specialist markets will give existing businesses an opportunity to re-establish themselves after lockdown by creating new sales opportunities, whilst also benefiting retailers in the town centre by encouraging more people to visit. The town council is also developing resource material to encourage new start up traders, to help them capitalise on the “emerging spirit of entrepreneurialism”.
“Markets are a great way to test retail business models, seek customer feedback, as well as to operate a low overhead business,” explained the town council’s economic development manager David McKnight in a report to councillors. “Many successful UK retailers began their businesses by attending markets.”
The town council is seeking market traders to take part in May’s plant and garden market and June’s “Just Desserts” market. To book a stall, email the town council’s economic development manager David McKnight at david.mcknight@melksham-tc.gov.uk or ring on 07759 284 266.
