The Summer Saturday Market series organised by Wymondham Town Council drew to a close on 3rd September. Six themed markets were added to the calendar as a trial run, to assess the appetite in the town for additional events.
At the close of the school term and beginning of the summer holidays, the events kicked off with a children and youth-themed market. A Scouts group raised money with a tombola for their trip to a jamboree in South Korea. Kett’s Books offered children’s books and Mr. Frosty provided frozen treats. The Town Team brought pirate games for youngsters to enjoy for free, providing a playful atmosphere right in the centre of town. Cllr Tony Holden was on hand to support the stallholders.
The following week, a collection of stalls from community groups and clubs joined Cllr Penny Hubble on the square. She was collecting submissions for the Town Team’s Jubilee Time Capsule. Representatives from Girlguiding, Bridewell WI, U3A, Wymondham Heritage Society, Young Farmers and the Rotary Satellite Group filled the Market Place with chats of fun events, good deeds, charitable fundraising and volunteer recruitment.
The next Saturday market was Pets & Animals themed, organised with support from Cllr Kathryn Cross. Stalls included pet beds, toys, food, treats, grooming and even pet portraiture. Visitors to the market, whether on two or four legs, were delighted with the range on offer.
Midway through August the Cross was flanked by a range of Art and Crafts stalls, with Cllr Richard Elliott on hand to help. Several young artists joined in, some of whom were doing their first ever event stall. The talent on display was truly inspiring and the event complemented the Abbey Days Fair nicely.
The penultimate themed market was in partnership with Totally Locally Wymondham. The campaign aims to highlight the fantastic independent businesses in the town. Cllr Tony Holden helped on the day, which was a fitting partnership due to his work on the Bright Future group. Kett’s Books was joined by Totally Locally volunteers Janet and Paula plus a range of local traders.
Last but not least, at the beginning of September the Vintage & Antiques Market filled the square. Cllr Kim Carsok was there along with Vintage Day volunteers Janet and Rachael. Ten antiques stalls offered a huge variety of retro treasures from clothing and accessories to furniture and tableware. Bargain hunters started eyeing up the wares even before the traders were finished unpacking. The beautiful weather and steady stream of shoppers gave the town a lovely atmosphere and had everyone asking when the next event would be held.
