"We really hope that these events enable local traders to get back up and running again in safe and well managed open air environment."
Mark Rackham
Residents in Urmston and the surrounding areas are being encouraged to help local traders get back on their feet by supporting a series of fully Covid-compliant community pop up markets, which are taking place on the Market 41 site, on Railway Road in Urmston, throughout August.
The first took place last Saturday and it was very well attended. Showcasing 15 local traders selling a mix of cakes and bakes, gifts, flowers, crafts, home décor and jewellery and complemented by a fully licensed bar, it attracted more than 1,000 people.
Further markets will follow the same format and take place from 10am until 4pm on Saturday 15, Saturday 22 and Saturday 29 August.
Gemma Marshall, from Gems Delicious Treats, and Mark Rackham from The Barking Dog are the driving force behind the initiative.
Both felt that Urmstonians would welcome the chance to support their local traders and reignite the retail and hospitality sector by attending a well organised, socially distanced and Covid-compliant market to enjoy a bite to eat and drink and a bit of shopping during the summer months.
Designed to provide a much needed boost to the local economy and encourage people back out to shop and socialise in a safe, open air environment, the pop up markets are being held in association with the Urmston Partnership, Love Urmston and Market 41.
Gemma said: “We had originally planned to host a pop up market on the M41 site earlier this year, but it was cancelled due to lockdown. I always have such a great response to pop up markets, both from local traders, many of whom do not have a shop front, and local residents.
“Saturday was a huge success and it was super to see so many people enjoying the event. We really hope more people will come out and show their support over the next three weeks.”
Mark added: “We followed Government guidelines closely in the development of the market and are confident that the format works well to ensure everyone can enjoy the event fully without any concerns about overcrowding or personal space. We really hope that these events enable local traders to get back up and running again in safe and well managed open air environment.”
Working closely with Trafford Council, organisers have ensured that pop-ups comply fully with current Covid-19 guidelines; trader stalls and gazebos are carefully positioned two metres apart, there is a two metre distance between dining and seating areas and a one-way system with two metre floor markers is in operation to ensure appropriate social distancing.
Numbers in and out of the markets were also carefully managed to ensure the designated maximum capacity for the site was never exceeded and everyone had enough space to enjoy the event safely.
The McGoff Group was happy to support the initiative by providing the Market 41 site free of charge for the events. Paul Danks, Business Development Director at McGoff Group, said: “We are pleased to be able to provide the Market 41 site for the pop up community markets and wish the events every success. As an Urmston resident myself, I’m looking forward to dropping in.”
Any local traders interested in a stall on the forthcoming markets are invited to contact Gemma Marshall on 07873 297590.
