Why should I buy from local markets? This is a question you may have already thought, and here are a few great reasons:
- Supporting your community – putting your money directly back into your community, as well as showing support for local businesses with your presence
- You’ll have a lower carbon footprint as goods are made within and only transported to your local area – it’s more eco-friendly and sustainable
- You are likelier to find unique products, making them all the more special
What makes local markets special?
Local markets and Makers Markets are at the heart of the market community; a platform for small businesses and independent makers who create and craft their own goods to make a living. Artisan markets are often locally based events for stallholders to showcase their talents to the local community and to encourage visitors to shop local and support their community.
Visiting your local makers markets or pop-up events – used by makers to give their customers a visual and interactive experience of what they sell and a direct method of encouraging sales – is a great day out with family and friends too; you get to meet so many friendly market traders who are happy to chat and get to know you, and there is such a variety of gifts, homeware, artisan food and drink, and so much more, all made with effort and care by individuals who use their own time and money to create unique products.
Since the pandemic began back in 2020, the number of people who created their own small businesses hit an all time high, with an extra 85,000 new independent businesses launched, with many triggered by the redundancies caused by COVID-19 or people furloughed. When the country was faced with the national lockdown, we didn’t have a lot going on socially, which resorted to many people taking up crafting as a hobby to pass the time, and many as a result turned their hobby into their own business.
Many start-ups during the pandemic allowed people to serve their local communities and stay connected. The power of the internet and social media became a handy way of staying connected, with many using social media platforms to sell their products online. They were met with great reception due to increased internet use, and the desire to shop small to support the community during unprecedented times.
How can I find markets local to me?
Click here to find Makers Markets near where you live. You’ll find many of our Pedddle stallholders taking part in local markets, and it’s so easy to find markets near you, whether you’re at home or on holiday in the UK.
Our easy search function allows you to filter both by location and date, so you can find a great event near you.
Here are our picks of some of the best markets in the country…
Eccleston Yards is an independent market which takes place every Sunday, hosting a range of talented makers based in London.
Ruddington Village takes place in Nottingham, and is an award-winning outdoor market with over 50 stalls of makers and creators, artisan food & drink. It is a non-for-profit venture between the local community and small businesses, parish and borough councillors, driving local trade to Nottingham and providing a fun day out for all.
Harborne Handmade is currently an online market, with the hope of returning as an in-person market in Harborne, Birmingham, later this year. Hosting 4 seasonal markets each year, there are a range of craft makers from across the Midlands who trade here.
Castle Artisan is a monthly makers market, and one of the many which host a number of our very own Midlands-based Pedddle stallholders. Taking place in Newcastle-under-Lyme, this market celebrates local makers and creators from Staffordshire and beyond, including locally produced ceramics, food and drink.
UP Market Harrogate is a pop-up event collaboration event between ‘Pop-Up Harrogate’ and ‘Cold Bath Brewing Co’. This new venture brings together independent makers and creators, food and drink. Bringing the local community of Harrogate, Yorkshire, together.
Tea Green Events offer a series of Pop-Up events which act as a platform for independent Scottish businesses to exhibit their work. They will be happening all over Scotland, but have only recently started up and joined Pedddle, so watch this space for more info soon!
The Fairy Tale Fair is an award winning craft and design fair, usually based in Brighton. They provide a great day of entertainment. Aside from their in-person events, they recently hosted an online version of the fair, which was hosted by Tresstle.
Rode Hall is a farmers market based in Cheshire, held monthly. The market has over 80 stalls, within various barns and outdoors, featuring locally made produce, hot food, drinks and free entertainment for children. They also have plenty of craft stalls, clothing stallholders, and live music.
Treacle Market is a popular monthly local makers market in Macclesfield, with a wide range of stalls including crafts & gifts, vintage finds and food and drink, all locally sourced and produced. Well worth a visit.
SoLo Craft, based in South London, hold artisan markets all over South London and actively promote local talent, ranging from homeware and gifts to vintage pieces, art and ceramics, food & drink, with live entertainment and much more. SoLo Craft host various events in the South London area, which are each well worth a visit.
The Pop Up Club is a community of independent creators and makers, coming together to showcase their talents within their very own hub, to give their customers a personal shopping experience. The Pop Up Club hosts an in-person bricks and mortar marketplace in Chelmsford, Essex (from May-December), and is currently in collaboration with Seven Dials Market in London (May-September). More recently, they have opened a shop in Manchester, which Pedddle founder, Nicki, recently visited – find out more here.
FarGo Village is a shopping village based in Coventry; a repurposed industrial space that has been converted into a Creative Quarter. Hosting over 45 small and local businesses alongside an award-winning Caribbean restaurant, they host regular markets which are often themed on the season. FarGo’s ethos is centred around providing a platform for local, independent, start-up businesses to develop their own business and engage with the local community. They organise a range of events throughout the year, such as FarGo’s Vegan Festival , seasonal markets, and have recently collaborated with London’s plant-based Green Rooms Market to bring another fantastic event to Coventry.
Blog published in November 2021, please click Pedddle to find current running markets and events.