Melksham Makers’ Market continues to champion local traders

Melksham Makers’ Market continues to showcase the work and products of local artisans and small businesses, offering residents the chance to support independent traders from across the town and surrounding areas.

Visitors to the monthly market can find a wide range of goods, including handmade crafts, baked produce, flowers and locally sourced items.

“When you visit the Melksham Makers’ Market, it’s easy to think you’re simply buying a jar of local honey, a handmade card, a bunch of flowers or a slice of homemade cake,” said Nicola Coleman, one of the organisers. “But you’re buying so much more than that because behind every stall is a real person with a story.

“It might be someone who’s spent evenings making stock after finishing their day job. Or it might be someone who’s turned a lifelong hobby into a small business. It may even be someone who’s finally taken a leap of faith to do something they love.

“Many of our marvellous makers work from spare bedrooms, garden workshops or kitchen tables. They’re designing, making, baking, growing and creating long before market day arrives.

“When you buy from them, you’re not buying from a warehouse or a factory. You’re buying directly from the person who made it. You can ask how they created it, where the idea came from, or why they chose those colours or ingredients. That’s something you’ll never get from a supermarket shelf or a large online retailer.  It’s one of the reasons we love the Melksham Makers’ Market so much.

“Every stall has a story behind it. And when people take the time to chat, they realise they’re not just buying a product; they’re supporting someone’s passion.”

The market started eight years ago with just 12 stalls aiming to give local makers somewhere affordable to share what they do. Today, it welcomes more than 20 local businesses to the Market Place each month, all from Melksham and the surrounding towns.

“Seeing customers chat to our traders, discover something new, and come back month after month to support the same small businesses is what makes it all worthwhile,” added fellow organiser Sarah Hillman. “One of the best parts of the market is watching those connections happen. You see people come back to the same stall, remember a trader’s name, and really value what they do. That’s what makes it special.

“Shopping locally doesn’t just support one person. It helps keep skills alive, encourages creativity and keeps money circulating within our local community. It gives people the confidence to continue doing what they love.”

The next Melksham Makers’ Market takes place on Saturday 25th July, from 9am until 2pm in Melksham Market Place.

For more information, follow Melksham Makers’ Market on social media or contact hello@melkshammakers.co.uk

Pictured: Paul from Potterne Honey (photo by Linda De Santiz)