HENLEY Market is making a comeback after a 14 year hiatus.
First chartered by King Henry VI in 1449, Henley proudly wore its badge as a market town for centuries. When the market finally closed 14 years ago, many feared it marked the end of an era.
The market ground was lost to housing—and with it, some said, the pulse of the town itself.
However, back in February, four of the town’s businesswomen put their heads together to reawaken that historic spirit. Jenny of Brookie Bean and the Pudding Box, Jen of Mad Batter Bakes, Trish from Creative Company Solutions, and Sarah from the Ethical Arts Project worked to revive the market, albeit in a modest way.
The relaunched market will take place on Saturday (May 24) from 10am until 3pm in The White Swan garden area.
It will be run by a community committee with every penny raised ploughed back into local projects.
There will be food, drink, crafts, music and a young entrepreneurs stall manned by 12-year-olds selling jewellery, artwork and even a self-published children’s book.
Opening the day will be Henley’s own Emma Skipp of Ocean Colour Scene fame, followed by a line-up of local musicians.
