DROITWICH’S Charter Market returned to the town today after more than four years.
The new-look event in Victoria Square is being run by Bluebell Events, which has partnered Droitwich Town Council.
The market will now run every Friday between 9am and 4pm, boosting an array of stalls selling a variety of items.
Among them are fruit and veg, fresh bread and cakes, meat, fashion and clothing, art and crafts, records and CDs, wax melts, pet food and much more.
The inaugural one was officially opened by Mayor of Droitwich Spa, Coun George Duffy and Town Crier Edgar Harwood.
All of the traders are local from areas including Bromsgrove, Evesham and Tewkesbury.
Droitwich Charter Market has returned. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
The weather – heavy rain – was far from ideal but a large number of residents and visitors turned out, despite the conditions.
After welcoming everyone, The Mayor read out the original charter granted as a Deed of King John from the year 1215.
He said Droitwich Spa was granted a Charter for a market in 1553 but changes in the law over the last 470 years have meant it was not a simple matter to arrange and a great deal of work was needed to make it possible.”
Helen Doughty, who is selling watercolours, takes time out for a coffee with Cat Rainey and Chloe Westmacott from NOMAD Coffee Co. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
He praised Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council and Droitwich Town Council for making the vision a reality and the wide variety of stalls.
He added: “Droitwich Spa Town Council has been looking at encouraging trade and commerce, together with making the town an attractive, interesting and vibrant place to live, work and visit.
“A regular weekly market is a positive addition and an opportunity towards this outlook.”
On the first one he said: “It’s great to see this business boost and so many local traders.”
Dave Biddle, who runs Bluebell Events with Chloe Ford, added: “It’s a damp start but the people have come out, braved the rain and trading is going really well.”
Butcher John Taker from R and T Meats. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
One visitor Kevin Hyett said: “This is fantastic – Droitwich has really missed its weekly market.
“There are a lot of shops struggling which need the footfall so hopefully the market will bring more people into the town.”
Town Crier Edgar Harwood with Dave Biddle and Chloe Ford from Bluebell Events. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Butcher John Taker from R and T Meats added: “It is not just about the buying and selling, markets are about socialising.
“Communities come out for markets, people socialise together and with the traders.
“Markets offer quality produce, healthy options and provide a day out for people.”
