New impetus injects fun into Saturday markets

Shoppers’ renewed enthusiasm for Grantham’s traditional outdoor market has prompted a move for more fun – and reasons to visit – this springtime.

South Kesteven District Council is organising drop-in workshops and street entertainment for visitors to coincide with specialist craft and farmers’ markets.

They include balloon modelling, making vegetable animals, craft and circus workshops, all funded through the Future High Streets government allocation.

It is part of the Council’s action plan which signals the next chapter as traders, businesses and customers look to the future at all three outdoor markets in Grantham, Stamford and Bourne.

Grantham’s markets operate every Saturday with monthly craft, farmers’ and new Young Traders’ markets now on the calendar.

Deputy Council Leader, and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Paul Stokes, said: “As a Council, we pledged to step up on how our markets are presented, operated and promoted – and these family-friendly activities are only the beginning.

“The diary of events, organised by SKDC’s Grantham Engagement Manager, are clear evidence of our intent for continuous improvement in putting the market, and the town, on the radar.

“South Kesteven’s markets have been part of the commercial and social life of the District for more than 1,000 years and it’s vital we find new ways to continue interest and success because apart from their history, our outdoor markets provide an important service to local people and visitors alike.”

In Grantham, crafters visit on the first Saturday of the month and a Farmers’ Market is hosted each second Saturday.

Traders, charities or anyone considering trading from our markets should email, in the first instance, via markets@southkesteven.gov.uk to chat about how we can get them on board.

Spring Schedule

All will take place 10am-2pm in and around the Market Place and Westgate:

1st February: Crafters’ Market
Balloon Modelling Workshop open activity
 
8th February: Farmers’ Market
Walkabout balloon modeller street entertainer

1st March: Crafters’ Market
Vegetable Critters Workshop open activity

8th March: Farmers’ Market
Bubble street entertainer

5th April: Crafters’ Market
Circus Workshop + Walkabout Clown

12th April: Farmers’ Market
Craft Workshop + Bubble Entertainer