Makers on their marks for six Christmas events in Bury St Edmunds
A determined businesswoman is sticking to tradition by holding a series of Christmas markets.
Hayley Peters will hold the popular makers-markets at the Unitarian Meeting House, in Churchgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, every Wednesday and Saturday in the run up to Christmas.
Some 70 local traders, who all make their own items from candles to bath bombs, art work, cards and gift-wrap, will be taking part.
“Twenty traders will be at each market before Christmas,” said Hayley.
“This means each market will have a different mix of stalls offering customers a real variety for their Christmas shopping, with everything made in and around Bury St Edmunds.”
Hayley, usually organises the monthly Little Makers Market on the first Saturday of every month and four Christmas markets each year.
But due to Covid-19 she had to cancel nine of these this year.
“For many of our traders, their trading has been under the three years necessary for the Government’s self-employment support scheme,” she said.
“Many have been left on their own to try and promote themselves on Instagram or Facebook Marketplace.
The great thing with our community though is that we are all fighters and are used to adapting.
“Many of us are mums with young children so we are very in tune with trying to run our businesses while adapting to change.
“Although our traders have managed to negotiate these tough times, they still need that all-important Christmas trade so we have made the bold move to hold the market every Wednesday and every Saturday.
“The new markets are very exciting move and we really hope the local community will get on board.
“The markets will have their own track and trace code, will be operating a one-way system with hand sanitiser supplied, traders will have face masks, and so it won’t just be a fun place to shop – but a safe one.”
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