A brand new Bedford Craft Market will launch this Saturday (13 April), taking over Silver Street and Silver Square once a month.
It will feature 14 local makers and craft traders and will run on the second Saturday of each month, from April to October.
It follows the overwhelming success of the markets at Christmas in this new location, and a spokesperson for Bedford Borough Council said: “We’re thrilled to continue using this vibrant space for handmade magic in the heart of Bedford town centre.”
As well as the traders, Arlene from ArloArts in the Old Arcade will be running an origami paper art workshop on Silver Square from 10.30am – midday and 1.30pm – 3pm.
Visitors are invited to drop in and learn how to make paper stars and traditional origami cranes.
Tony Le Britton, who recently opened a new shop, Not Another Jungle, on Silver Street, told the Bedford Independent: “We had a phenomenal opening weekend and sales in our first week have exceeded our expectations.
“Footfall has been high and the support from the local people and visiting customers has been wonderful.
“It’s great to know that the council are investing in the area of Silver Street to make it a vibrant part of the town centre. We’ve now got new businesses like myself and Maison le Vôtre investing, the council investment in the paving, shop fronts and new markets and that’s bringing more people into the town.
“The next stage is to add more plants, and outdoor tables and encourage more planting within the town centre. I’m really excited for the future in Bedford and where we can take it.”
The monthly Craft Market will have traders selling everything from soap flower gifts to up-cycled jars and glasses, wax melts to handmade bags and clothes, and hand-painted plant pots to knitwear, all showcasing Bedford’s local crafters’ passion and expertise.
