New market starting up in East Cowes Town Hall

The Italianate-style East Cowes Town Hall in York Avenue will be the setting for a new market, starting next Saturday (May 14).

The Victorian building, built in 1897, has recently been refurbished and will play host to a wide range of craft stalls and local producers in the new initiative, which is a partnership between East Cowes Town Council and community interest company, Market Days. The Island Busking Collective, set up by Market Days CIC, is also arranging for street performances and busking to take place around the town.

Tracy Reardon, chairwoman of East Cowes Town Council, said: “We are delighted to be backing this market in the gorgeous Town Hall building. It will help bring the community together and make use of the wonderful asset that is at the heart of the town. We are really looking forward to meeting all the local producers and makers and welcoming Islanders to the new indoor market.”

Director of Market Days, Claire Kennard, said: “Market Days was set up to revive markets in Newport and across the Island and we are really happy to be working with the East Cowes Town Council who have been so incredibly supportive and proactive in bringing this idea to fruition. This will be our first regular market outside of Newport.

“We believe that markets are so much more than just a place to shop; they are full of life and connection and vibrancy where you can directly support your local producers and makers. If you feel strongly about shopping local where better than at a market, where you can buy produce direct from the grower or maker?”

You can find out more at marketdaysiow.com.

The market will run from 12.30pm to 4.30pm on May 14, July 9, August 20, September 17, October 15 and November 19.