Nottingham’s Old Market Square will be once again playing host to over 55 vendors at this year’s Ay-UpMarket.
After the success of last year’s event, the Ay-UpMarket will return to the city from Friday 16 June to Sunday 18 June 2023.
Organised by It’s in Nottingham, in partnership with Nottingham City Council, the market gives Nottingham-based independent retailers and creatives, both bricks and mortar and online, a unique trading platform which will highlight the city’s fantastic independents.
Curated by Pitch Presents , visitors can expect to see freshly baked goods, sweet treats, fine wine, vintage clothing, plants, skin care, arts, crafts, and handmade jewellery available from local independent retailers over the three days.
Some of the popular businesses taking part include Shop Zero, Slow Make Studio, Soul and Flare, Taste First, Treat Kitchen, Megan Crook Textiles, Sap Plants and Hallo Ceramics.
Alongside the market stalls, the event will also include a full programme of exciting live music and family-friendly performances, collectively arranged by local creative studio, Mimm, and Phlexx Records, in collaboration with DHP Family.
The Carousel will be hosting creative workshops over the weekend, and visitors can enjoy street performances from City Arts and Can Samba, among others.
Food and drink from Nottingham Street Food Club will be on offer with global flavours taking centre stage, with cuisines from Caribbean to Thai represented within Old Market Square. Food Traders include Prad Thai, Yello Yard, Carolina’s Chilli and MemSaab.
Alex Flint, CEO of It’s in Nottingham said:
“The market proved to be really popular last year and played an important role in bringing people into the city centre from miles around. People who visited also went on to explore the wider city which was a great boost for businesses.”
Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said:
“Last year’s Ay-UpMarket was a huge success, and we’re delighted to be able to bring it back for a second year in partnership with It’s in Nottingham. It’s a great opportunity for people to visit the city centre and discover Nottingham’s fantastic independent traders. Alongside the variety of market stalls, I’m also looking forward to the range of family-friendly entertainment on offer.”
Heather Kirk from Hallo Ceramics is excited to be taking part in the event as an independent trader. Her stall offers handmade, colourful and statement ceramics.
Heather commented:
“Last year’s Ay-UpMarket exceeded all our expectations and we are totally blown away by how amazing the entire weekend was.”
“To be a part of such a strong, flourishing and welcoming community of Nottingham’s independent makers is something we truly treasure. As an independent trader at the market, it was without a doubt one of the most successful markets we’ve ever done. The footfall was incredible, the atmosphere was consistently positive and bustling and not to mention the comments we received about our products.”
“Since last year’s market, I’ve had lots of people attend my workshops after meeting me at the Ay-UpMarket. I’m really looking forward to meeting more people and making new friends this year.”
The Ay-UpMarket has received £30,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Posted on 31 May 2023
