The people of Melksham and beyond will be able to browse an eclectic array of artisan goods and local produce at Avonside when its outdoor market returns this month.
Run as a collaboration between The Anonymous Travelling Market and Avonside, the market will take place on Sunday 25th April from 9.30am to 2.30pm.
Expect hand-crafted, artisan goods, as well as local food and drink produce, much of which is made by the stallholders themselves.
Avonside is supporting Wiltshire Air Ambulance by contributing any funds it raises from stall fees directly to the charity.
The monthly market had to pause its visits to Avonside for some months as a result of Government restrictions in response to the coronavirus pandemic. It last took place in October.
Avonside, which is poised to become a “vibrant quarter” for both leisure and business thanks to the vision of owners Create Real Estate, was originally built as the home of Unigate Dairies and is moments away from Melksham high street.
Steve Dauwalder, operations manager for The Anonymous Travelling Market, said, “We are thrilled to be back at Avonside and can’t wait to welcome people to our market. We have an incredible range of stallholders set to attend, selling everything from hand-made jewellery to locally-made ceramics, and from tasty cheeses and pork pies to Somerset cider, so there really is something for everyone.”
The event will raise much-needed funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance which provides a lifesaving service for the county and surrounding areas and has been operating up to 19 hours a day on the frontline throughout the pandemic. During 2020 they were called to a record number of emergencies, 1,238 in total.
WAA fundraising manager Des Regan says, “It’s been a really tough time for all charities as the pandemic has forced us to cancel all fundraising events, costing us around £500,000 in income. That said, we have been taken aback by the response from the public and we can’t thank Avonside enough for once again deciding to support our charity.”
Covid-safe measures will be in place at the market including hand sanitising points, a track & trace system and a one-way route around the market.
Follow Avonside via the handle @AvonsideWilts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. For more information about Avonside, go to: www.avonsidewilts.co.uk/
Anyone interested in taking space as a retail trader at the market, can contact Steve at info@theatm.co.uk or by calling 07795 321 535.
