The flags and bunting will be out in Marlborough on Sunday (May 17) when the Communities Market takes over the High Street once again, but this time as part of a national celebration called Love Your Local Market.
And visitors will also be given the chance to give their views on the market as part of an evaluation survey on the eve of its first anniversary.
“We will be asking the people of Marlborough what they want in their market, what they think of it so far and whether they think we can make any improvements,” market manager Ellie Gill told Marlborough News Online.
“I am very happy with the market so far. It is still just under a year old and it is still gaining momentum. This Sunday provides a good opportunity for people to come to the market as they can take advantage of our new bring and buy swopping stall too.”
And for Ellie the occasion will be a special one as she was appointed the campaign manager in January of the National Association of British Market Authorities and is in charge of its current Love Your Local Market Fortnight campaign.
“Some 663 markets are taking part and creating some 3,500 events across the country,” she revealed. “It came out of an idea from the shopping queen Mary Portas, who wanted to have a national market day.
“But that is not feasible as markets are held on more than one day. Now the National Association has decided it should be held over a two-week period from May 15 to 29. And that’s why we shall be putting out the flags and bunting on Sunday.”
Another aim is to introduce new product stallholders to markets generally and, according to the survey results, in Marlborough too, where a maximum of 40 stalls can now be mustered in the High Street.
“Wiltshire Council is doing surveys of their own markets in towns across the county, while we shall be doing our own one,” added Ellie.
“Wiltshire gives us permission to be here and is very generous in doing so as they recognise the Communities Market as a social enterprise and don’t charge us. And we’re grateful for all their help.”
