Buxton Market is celebrating this week after another record turn out at the weekend. The last two weekends have been among the biggest markets they have seen for several years. Does this mean a return to its heyday? It’s certainly looking promising.
Amidst the coronavirus crisis, almost every businesses type in the UK has been affected one way or another by COVID-19 and shopping habits in particular have changed. Back in March as the pandemic took hold and the UK went into lockdown, almost overnight shopping local rocketed.
The market is a ‘Community Interest Company’, so the the team is largely volunteer run – the directors continued to work during lockdown to ensure the market could continue.
John Estruch, one of the market organisers said, “With the spread of Covid, like everyone else, we were worried about what it would mean. Could we keep everyone safe? Could we keep the market going? When the lockdown started we kept going and we managed to keep going throughout.
For a few weeks we only had Vinny’s fruit and veg stall. But it proved very popular. People liked the idea of doing their shopping in the open air rather than queuing for indoor shopping in supermarkets. It felt safer and it was. People also had more time and they rediscovered how nice it is to cook with fresh ingredients.”
Bohemian atmosphere of Higher Buxton
Finally in June, the market was able to welcome back all traders. Its rapid growth since then has taken everyone by surprise. Janet Miller, one of the market organisers said, “We had our biggest market ever on 1st August and we’re looking to repeat that on the 15th. We haven’t seen markets with this many traders or customers since the 1990s when things started to decline. After four years working to rebuild the market, it’s fantastic to see”.
In the last couple of years, Higher Buxton and the Market Place has seen an explosion of new, independent businesses open and the area firmly established as Buxton’s creative, bohemian neighbourhood with buzzy cafes and pubs and an alternative shopping fix. Added to this a lively market twice every week, this area of Buxton has been transformed.
It’s easy to spend an entire day (or weekend) without ever leaving the confines of this lively little neighbourhood, discovering the hidden gems of what was Buxton’s original High Street. Some of the towns oldest buildings are here too, so you can soak up some history amidst your wanderings.
Specialist markets now a regular feature
There’s now specialist themed markets on a regular basis. The hugely popular Craft, Quirky and Vintage market takes place on the 1st Saturday of every month, from April to December; with a flea market feel to this event you’ll find everything from bespoke jewellery, artwork, hand made quilts and toys, to used furniture, lamps and crockery from various eras – a must for any vintage lovers.
“On the back of the hugely successful Food Festivals we ran last year, the Food & Drink Special Market will now take place every 3rd Saturday in the month until Christmas. The next one is this coming Saturday 15th August, from 9am – 4pm and we expect around 40+ stalls to attend,” said Janet.
The regular weekly market takes place every Tuesday and Saturday from 9am – 4pm and has a wide variety of regular stalls including local food and drink produce, clothing, cosmetics, homewares and more. If you are a trader and interesting in attending, please get in touch via the contact details below.
Buxton Market, Market Place, Buxton, SK17 6EQ
T: 07487 764038
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