AN INDOOR market with the theme ‘shop local’ is launching in Southam.
The event will fall every third Saturday of the month, from 10am to 12.30pm, with the first held on November 20 at Grange Hall in Coventry Road.
It is being organised by business and economy group Southam First, with the town’s Women’s Institute providing the refreshments.
Although Southam is an ancient market town, and was awarded its market charter nearly 800 years ago, its weekly market ceased in 2020 with no plans for revival.
However, Southam First was inspired by the popularity of indoor markets in nearby villages to launch the monthly market.
Group chief and town mayor Graham Foster said: “We hope to attract visitors from both Southam and the wider community, and we aim to provide a wide range of goods for sale, including food and drink, home and garden wares, gifts, crafts and clothes, emphasising local producers.”
Alongside stalls, the market will also showcase the town’s retailers and service providers, with space for them to display their publicity material.
Organisers reported a fantastic response to the idea and they now have a waiting list of stallholders wanting to take part.
Graham added: “Lockdown made us all rediscover the importance of community and supporting local producers, so we are confident that the market will be very popular.”
Markets have been lined up for respective Saturdays in December, February and March, with no market held in January.
If the market proves popular, it will continue indefinitely on the third Saturday of every month.
Follow the Southam First Facebook page for updates.
