Making markets matter in Teignbridge

Encouraging shoppers to change their shopping habits and savouring the joys of the market, ‘Making Markets Matter’ is heading to Newton Abbot Market on Saturday 8 July.

Hosted by The National Market Traders Federation (NMTF), the UK’s only national body for market and street traders, events retailers and mobile caterers, the event encourages support for local retail markets. Now in its 12th year, the event highlights everything markets offer, from great fresh food to a thriving social scene and central community.

Events at Newton Abbot Market start at 10am on Saturday, with activities including competitions, face painting, cooking demonstrations from Master chef Geoff Tookey, free giveaways and games to entertain the whole family.

With market shopping proven to be more sustainable, economical and pleasurable than supermarkets, the NMTF is encouraging shoppers to change their shopping habits for the good of the local economy, as well as their own pockets.

Teignbridge District Council’s executive for economy, Cllr Doug Hellier Laing said: “There is something for everyone at Newton Abbot Market, with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor stalls to explore. This event helps highlight the importance of shopping locally and supporting local traders, in a traditional market environment.

“Newton Abbot Markets’ are an important part of the town’s offer and remain at the heart of a more detailed plan we are working on for the town centre. As well as a great place to shop for local produce, the market is central to the community and social scene.”

Newton Abbot is home to variety of indoor and outdoor markets as well as weekly cattle auctions, with something for everyone to enjoy and explore.

The Market Hall: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm

The Food Hall: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm

The Outdoor Market, operates in the Market Square and Courtenay Street: Wednesday and Saturday, 8am to 4pm

The Produce Market in Courtenay Street: every Friday, 9am to 3pm

Livestock Auctions are held in the Cattle Market area every Wednesday and there are also poultry sales every second Saturday from March until the end of October.

Teignbridge’s ten year strategy highlights the Council’s ongoing commitment to invest in town centres as the focal points in main urban areas. By creating vibrant environments, this brings key economic benefits and will continue to be vital to our communities and help attract more people to the town.

For traders seeking a foot on the business ladder or between a market stall and shop, there is an opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ with a short stint in a pop-up shop in the Market Walk Shopping Centre. It has previously been home to a gallery and two artisan start-ups. Running a pop-up shop allows new start-ups to experience being a high street business while also making good use of any empty units.

For more information contact Teignbridge’s economy and assets team at economyandassets@teignbridge.gov.uk