FRESH fruit and veg, sourdough bread, and homemade pasties were some of the tasty offerings for sale last Saturday when Redditch Market reopened for business.
The long-awaited return to Alcester Street was greeted with enthusiasm by shoppers and traders alike and declared a ‘resounding success’ by the borough council.
Its return was promised last year after a four-year absence following Covid and is part of a plan to regenerate the town centre.
Traders have a busy day. Picture by Marcus Mingins 1525002MMR4
One of the stallholders was John Callinswood from Country Garden Pies of Bridgnorth, who was selling his award-winning pork pies, pasties, sausage rolls and free-range eggs.
John, who had been making pies for 58 years, said if he’d known how busy it was going to be, he’d have bought more produce. He said he was delighted to be at the inaugural event and commented that its organisation had been ‘first class’.
Shoppers flock to the new market. Picture by Marcus Mingins 1525002MMR5
He told the Standard that he looked forward to having a stand each Saturday and added: “ As long as people want us and want my pies, I shall be here – if people support the market, it will only grow.”
The market was officially opened by Mayor of Redditch, Councillor Juma Begum, and the sense of occasion was added to by music and entertainment, including face painting and stilt walkers.
Funki Ents and Steve the Juggler entertain the shoppers. Picture by Marcus Mingins 1525002MMR2
Rachel Egan, the council’s assistant director for regeneration and property, said: “We wanted to create a special event to welcome the market back to our town centre and it was a resounding success with some traders selling out of goods by the afternoon.
“We have had lots of positive feedback already and have more traders on our list ready to take part in future markets.”
Dough ‘Ay Me sell their cakes. Picture by Marcus Mingins 1525002MMR6
The market will be held around the John Bohnam memorial every Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 4pm.
Oscar (five) enjoys his trip to the new market. Picture by Marcus Mingins 1525002MMR7
